Cystoscopy

What is a Cystoscopy?

A cystoscopy is a procedure that allows for the direct visualisation of the bladder and urethra using a narrow, flexible tube with a high-definition camera, known as a cystoscope.

Minimally invasive, this examination enables urologists to investigate urinary symptoms, diagnose conditions, take tissue samples, and perform specific treatments – all through the body's natural opening without the need for surgical incisions.

At LivingCare, we perform flexible cystoscopy at both our Leeds and Sheffield clinics using the latest endoscopic equipment. Our consultant urologists combine technical expertise with a patient-centred approach, ensuring you receive clear explanations, comfortable care, and prompt results throughout your diagnostic journey.

How a Cystoscopy Works

Modern cystoscopy uses a flexible endoscope – a thin tube approximately 4-5mm in diameter containing fibre-optic technology and a miniature camera. This sophisticated instrument is gently inserted through the urethra and advanced into the bladder, allowing real-time visualisation of the entire urinary tract.

What Can a Cystoscopy Be Used For?

Cystoscopy serves both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes across a wide range of urological conditions. At LivingCare, our urologists commonly recommend cystoscopy for:

Blood in Urine (Haematuria): Investigating visible or microscopic blood in urine to identify causes such as bladder tumours, stones, inflammation, or infection.

Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections: Examining the bladder for structural abnormalities, stones, or other factors that may contribute to repeated infections.

Bladder Pain or Discomfort: Assessing chronic pelvic pain, bladder pain syndrome, or interstitial cystitis by directly visualising bladder tissue and taking biopsies if needed.

Urinary Symptoms: Investigating persistent urgency, frequency, difficulty urinating, or incomplete bladder emptying that hasn't responded to initial treatments.

Bladder Cancer Detection and Surveillance: Detecting bladder tumours during initial investigation and monitoring patients with a history of bladder cancer for recurrence.

Urethral Strictures: Identifying and assessing narrowing of the urethra that may obstruct urine flow.

Congenital Abnormalities: Examining structural differences in the urinary tract that may have been present since birth.

What to Expect When Receiving a Cystoscopy

Before Your Appointment
‍Tell us about medications you're taking, as you may need to pause certain blood-thinning drugs. It's also important to drink plenty of fluids, as good hydration helps flush the urinary system after the procedure.

You may be asked to provide a urine sample before the procedure to check for any potential infections. On the day of your appointment, wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing to make changing easier. You'll be provided with a gown for the procedure.

During Your Appointment
‍Our nursing team will welcome you, confirm your details, and ensure your comfort. You'll be asked to empty your bladder and change into a gown.

Your urologist will discuss the procedure, address any questions you may have, and ensure you understand what to expect. You'll be asked to sign a consent form before proceeding.

You'll lie on an examination table, typically with your knees bent and supported. Your privacy and dignity are maintained throughout with appropriate draping. An anaesthetic gel is applied to the urethra to numb the area and reduce discomfort. This is given a few minutes to take effect before the procedure begins.

The cystoscope is inserted into the urethra. You may feel pressure or a sensation of needing to urinate, but the local anaesthetic minimises discomfort. Sterile fluid flows through the cystoscope to gently fill and expand your bladder, allowing clear visualisation. Your urologist systematically examines the entire bladder lining and urethra, explaining what they're seeing and doing as they proceed.

Once the examination is complete, the cystoscope is withdrawn gently. The entire examination generally takes 10-15 minutes.

After Your Appointment
‍Following your cystoscopy, you'll be taken to a private recovery area where you can rest briefly, get dressed, and use the toilet. Many patients are ready to leave within 15 to 30 minutes. Your urologist will discuss initial findings with you before you go

After a flexible cystoscopy with local anaesthetic only, you can drive yourself home and return to usual activities. You may experience mild burning when urinating or see slight blood in your urine for 24-48 hours. These are normal and should improve quickly. Drink plenty of water over the next 24-48 hours to help flush your bladder and alleviate any discomfort during urination. Most patients can return to work and normal activities on the same day or the day after.

How to Recover Following a Cystoscopy

Recovery from a flexible cystoscopy is typically quick and straightforward. Most return to normal within 24-48 hours.

References

• ‍NHS – Cystoscopy
• ‍British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) – Patient Information
• ‍Cancer Research UK – Cystoscopy