Cystoscopy Rigid Male

A rigid cystoscopy (male) uses a thin rigid tube called a cystoscope to look at the inside the bladder and urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body from the bladder) of a man.

Often a rigid cystoscopy is performed if your doctor anticipates taking a biopsy or treating a bladder problem. A rigid cystoscopy is slightly wider than a flexible cystoscope and it does not bend. The procedure is usually performed under general anaesthetic. Small surgical instruments can be passed down the cystoscope to treat some bladder problems at the same time as the examination.

You might need a rigid cystoscope to:

• Investigate the cause of problems including blood in pee and problems peeing (difficulty or pain when urinating, urine retention, incontinence and going frequently) regular and recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and ongoing pelvic pain.
• Take a biopsy sample of tissue for testing in a laboratory and check for problems such as bladder cancer or its recurrence.
• Carry out minor procedures, such as destroying abnormal tissues with heat (diathermy).
• Perform treatments such as removing bladder stones, inserting or removing a stent (a small tube used to treat blockages) and injecting medicine into your bladder.

The operation usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes depending on the findings of the examination and whether a biopsy, minor procedure or treatment is performed at the same time.

After a rigid cystoscopy, you can go home the same day once you have emptied your bladder, but sometimes an overnight stay is needed. Typically, you will stay in the hospital for a few hours until the anaesthetic starts to wear off. Your doctor will discuss the results of the examination with you before you leave the hospital.

You will need to arrange a lift home and preferably have someone to stay with you overnight. You cannot drive for at least 24 hours and you should rest whilst the anaesthetic wears off. You may need a couple of days off work. You can usually return to your normal activities when you feel able to.

Many men feel burning pain when passing urine. This tends to last only a day or so. Drinking plenty of fluids can help with this.

Bleeding is common, especially if a biopsy has been taken. It usually settles after a few days. Biopsy samples are sent to the laboratory for testing. Results are available within a week or two. We will arrange an appointment to discuss these with you.

You will receive a formal quotation price for your rigid cystoscopy following your consultation with one of our expert surgeons that will be valid for 60 days and includes unlimited aftercare.

Ramsay is recognised by all major medical insurers. Rigid cystoscopy is covered by most medical insurance policies. We advise you to obtain written authorisation from your insurance provider before having the procedure.

We have a number of finance options if you are paying for this procedure yourself. These include:

• Interest-free finance – 0% interest, no deposit and affordable monthly instalments.
• All-inclusive Total Care – a one-off pre-agreed payment for access to all the treatment you need for complete reassurance.
• Pay as you go – flexible funding to pay for treatment as and when costs arise.