Cystoscopy at North Downs Hospital in Caterham

What is a Cystoscopy?

A cystoscopy is a medical procedure that allows healthcare professionals to closely examine the inside of your bladder and urethra. It is both a diagnostic and therapeutic tool, used to investigate and manage a variety of urinary and bladder-related conditions.

During the procedure, a long, thin tube with a small camera at its tip (called a cystoscope) is gently inserted into your urethra and guided into the bladder. This process provides a clear view of the bladder lining and helps identify abnormalities, guide treatments, and monitor certain conditions effectively.

Why would you need a cystoscopy?

Cystoscopy is recommended for diagnosing, monitoring, or treating conditions affecting the bladder and urinary system. Here are some common reasons for undergoing the procedure:

• Investigating symptoms such as blood in urine, recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs), pelvic pain, or difficulty urinating.

• Assessing urinary incontinence or the sensation of incomplete bladder emptying.

• Diagnosing and managing bladder cancer, bladder stones, or interstitial cystitis.

• Treating blockages or obstructions in the urinary tract and delivering targeted medication to the bladder.

• Controlling bleeding or performing biopsies to collect tissue samples for further analysis.

This versatile procedure ensures accurate diagnosis and enables timely medical intervention, making it an essential component of urological care.

Types of cystoscopy

There are two main types of cystoscopy:

• Flexible cystoscopy - uses a flexible, bendable cystoscope to investigate bladder symptoms, often performed under local anaesthesia. It is minimally invasive, requires little preparation, and allows patients to eat and drink as usual beforehand.

• Rigid cystoscopy - performed with a straight, rigid cystoscope, this approach is often used to treat bladder conditions, such as removing tumours or stones. It is commonly carried out under general or spinal anaesthesia to ensure patient comfort.

Your healthcare provider will determine the type of cystoscopy based on your symptoms and the required intervention

Cystoscopy for treatment  

Cystoscopy is not only a diagnostic tool but also plays a vital role in treating various bladder conditions. Some common uses include:  

• Removal of bladder tumours - during a rigid cystoscopy, small bladder tumours can be located and removed using specialised instruments. This procedure, known as transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT), is often performed under general anaesthesia.  

• Treatment of bladder stones - cystoscopy allows healthcare professionals to identify and remove bladder stones, which can cause pain and urinary issues.  

• Management of urinary tract obstructions - using cystoscopy, blockages in the urinary tract can be treated by inserting stents or removing obstructions.  

• Injection of medications - in cases of interstitial cystitis or other bladder conditions, medications can be directly injected into your bladder through a cystoscope for targeted treatment.  

• Control of bleeding - cystoscopy can help identify and cauterise bleeding areas within your bladder, ensuring effective management of haemorrhages.  

How to prepare for a cystoscopy

Preparing for a cystoscopy depends on the type of procedure being performed:  

• For a flexible cystoscopy, you can usually eat and drink as normal. Minimal preparation is needed, and a local anaesthetic is typically used to numb your urethra.  

• For a rigid cystoscopy, especially if you are having a general or spinal anaesthesia, you may need to fast for several hours before the procedure. Your healthcare provider will offer specific guidance for your situation. 

What to expect after your cystoscopy  

After a cystoscopy, it's common to experience mild discomfort or blood in your urine, which usually resolves within a few days. To aid recovery, you can expect to be advised to:  

• Drink plenty of fluids to flush out your bladder.  

• Take over-the-counter pain relief like paracetamol or ibuprofen if necessary.  

• Contact your doctor if symptoms such as persistent pain, fever, or difficulty urinating occur.  

• Rest for 24 hours and have someone assist you with travel and care if you’ve had a rigid cystoscopy or general anaesthetic.

How does cystoscopy help in bladder cancer management?

Cystoscopy is a vital tool for diagnosing, monitoring, and managing bladder cancer, offering significant benefits in early detection and treatment planning.

• Early detection - cystoscopy is crucial for identifying bladder cancer at an early stage, which enhances treatment outcomes and survival rates.  

• Regular monitoring - it helps in tracking the progression or recurrence of bladder cancer through routine evaluations. 

• Advanced imaging techniques - combining cystoscopy with methods like blue light imaging improves accuracy in diagnosing and managing persistent conditions. 

What are the latest advancements in cystoscopy?

Recent advancements in diagnostic techniques have revolutionised cystoscopy, enhancing accuracy and effectiveness in detecting and managing bladder conditions. They include:

• Blue light cystoscopy - utilises a special dye and blue light to highlight cancerous areas, improving the detection and management of bladder cancer1.  

• Enhanced identification of abnormalities - other innovative and promising techniques such as photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) and narrowband imaging (NBI) may enhance visualisation for more accurate assessments.  

What is the cost of a cystoscopy?

The cost of your cystoscopy will differ dependant on the type of cystoscopy you have (flexible/rigid)

You will receive a formal quotation price following your consultation with one of our expert surgeons. This formal quote for your TURBT operation will be valid for 60 days and includes unlimited aftercare.

Ramsay is recognised by all major medical insurers. A TURBT procedure is covered by most medical insurance policies. We advise you to obtain written authorisation from your insurance provider before starting your treatment.

We have a number of finance options if you are paying for your 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. Often used if your treatment costs are difficult to assess.

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