Prospective Multi-institutional Study Analyzing Pain Perception of Flexible and Rigid Cystoscopy in Men

Objective To evaluate pain perception in men undergoing flexible or rigid diagnostic cystoscopy. Methods This is a prospective multi-institutional analysis of men undergoing cystoscopy in 4 European departments of urology. Pain perception was assessed with an 11-point numeric rating scale. Pain categories were as follows: no (0 points), mild (1-3), moderate (4-6), and severe pain (7-10). Assessment of pain was before, during cystoscopy, and at days 1, 4, and 7 of follow-up. Results A total of 300 cystoscopies were analyzed (150 rigid and 150 flexible). Men undergoing flexible cystoscopy were more frequently free of pain (58.7% vs 24%; P