🫘Urology
Anesthesia for kidney, bladder, and urinary procedures.
Educational information only. This guide is general and may not reflect your specific situation. Always follow the instructions from your own surgical and anesthesia team.
1 · Anesthesia commonly used
Urology procedures use a range of anesthesia: general anesthesia, spinal anesthesia, or sedation, depending on the operation.
Many minimally invasive urology procedures (such as cystoscopy or prostate procedures) can be done under spinal anesthesia or sedation.
2 · How to prepare
Discuss which anesthesia is best for your procedure.
Tell your team about prostate, kidney, or bladder conditions.
Arrange transport home, especially after sedation or spinal.
Optimize blood pressure and any heart conditions beforehand.
3 · Fasting instructions
| Before surgery | Guidance |
|---|
| Solid food | Stop eating at least 6 hours before |
| Light meal / milk | At least 6 hours before |
| Clear fluids (water, clear juice) | Usually allowed up to 2 hours before |
| Alcohol | Avoid for 24 hours before |
| Smoking | Stop as early as possible before surgery |
4 · Medication guidance
Discuss blood thinners — important for both bleeding risk and spinal anesthesia safety.
Continue most routine medications; confirm with your team.
5 · On the day of surgery
IV placed for fluids and medication.
Spinal anesthesia numbs the lower body while you stay awake (often with sedation).
General anesthesia is used for longer or open procedures.
You're monitored throughout.
6 · Common risks & side effects
Temporary difficulty passing urine after spinal anesthesia.
Mild blood in the urine after some procedures — usually settles.
Sore throat or nausea after general anesthesia.
Serious complications are uncommon.
7 · Recovery expectations
Recovery is often quick for minimally invasive procedures — many are day cases.
Drink fluids as advised and watch for warning signs like fever or difficulty urinating.
8 · Frequently asked questions
Spinal or general?
Many urology procedures can be done under spinal anesthesia with sedation; longer ones use general.
Will I be awake?
With spinal anesthesia you can be awake or lightly sedated, as you prefer and as is safe.
Is blood in urine normal?
A small amount after some procedures is common and settles — report heavy bleeding.
When can I go home?
Many procedures are day cases; your team will confirm.
9 · Related educational videos