Flexible cystoscopy (male)
Cystoscopy is a minimally-invasive investigation to examine and take biopsies from the lining of the bladder.
Quick facts
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What is it for?
Diagnose bladder problems, take samples, and treat small polyps or stones
Treatment overview
The London Clinic's urology consultants perform cystoscopy in the state-of-the-art endoscopy suite, using the latest equipment and technology.
The procedure is short, safe, and effective, lasting around five minutes. Men have the procedure in an outpatient setting, with a local anaesthetic.
The urologists are assisted by an expert multidisciplinary team that will support you from your first consultation, during your procedure, and throughout your recovery.
In a flexible cystoscopy, your consultant will use a flexible telepscope to check for problems in your bladder.
Treatment options
Ultrasound scans and urodynamic tests can help investigate and diagnose some bladder problems. However, cystoscopy is a critical investigation, allowing the consultant to directly inspect the bladder and take biopsies for analysis.
A rigid cystoscopy is a more extensive investigation requiring a general or spinal anaesthetic.
It allows your surgeon to treat more extensive problems with your bladder and urinary tubes, including larger polyps and cancers.
The experienced urologists at The London Clinic can provide expert assessment, investigation, and advice if you are worried about pain, bleeding, and other problems with passing water.
Cystoscopy consultation at The London Clinic
Our world-leading urologists will assess and advise you in The London Clinic’s comfortable, private, and well-equipped consulting rooms.
They will take a detailed medical history, examine your abdomen, pelvis and prostate gland, and ask about the impact your urinary symptoms have on your health, wellbeing, and quality of life.
Your consultant may arrange tests and investigations in the cutting-edge imaging suite. These may include:
- Blood tests to check for anaemia, inflammation and kidney function
- Prostate-Specific Antigen to screen for prostate cancer
- Ultrasound
- Urinalysis
- Urodynamic studies
In consultation with you, your urologist will then plan your cystoscopy, explain what will happen during the procedure, and advise you about any preparation needed.
They will take the time to answer all your questions and address your concerns.
Flexible cystoscopy at The London Clinic
The urologists at The London Clinic perform flexible cystoscopy as an outpatient procedure, with or without local anaesthetic. The procedure is of short duration, generally lasting less than 10 minutes.
Your consultant will squeeze some local anaesthetic jelly into your penis to lubricate, prevent infection, and reduce discomfort.
They will then insert the narrow flexible cystoscope into your urethra and thread it into your bladder. They will pass water into the bladder to ensure a clearer view.
The digital camera relays high-quality images of the bladder to a monitor. The specialist can then use specially-designed fine instruments to take biopsies, excise small growths and polyps, and remove stones.
Why choose The London Clinic
Excellence in one place
We operate as teams of experts with world-class resources dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of medical care. You are surrounded by the latest treatments and advice with everything you need to get back to your best health.
Personal care, every time
Exceptional patient care is a way of life for us. Our nurses, clinicians and support teams are dedicated to the care of a very small number of patients, so have more time for you. They’ll be with you every step of the way, tailoring your care around you and giving the peace-of-mind that comes with knowing you’re in the best hands.
Effortlessly simple
We work together as one to guide you through each step of your experience, with complexities unravelled and answers readily to hand. Your personal treatment plan will be laid out for you, with all the details taken care of so you can focus on you.
What's included in your package?
Choosing The London Clinic means your treatment plan will be laid out for you, with all the details taken care of so you can focus on you.
Your treatment package will include:
- Enhanced pre-admission assessment
- Your treatment with our complete care team at your fingertips
- Personalised aftercare and follow-up
We want you to be in control of your health. That’s why we also offer optional services such as comprehensive recovery packages and extra touches for you to choose from during your stay with us.
How to pay
- You can use private medical insurance (PMI) to access this treatment. We work with all major PMI providers in the UK and many internationally
- You can pay for yourself (self-pay)
- If you’re paying for yourself, we have finance options available with Chrysalis
FAQs
Flexible cystoscopy is a commonly performed investigation to examine the inside of your bladder. It is a minimally-invasive procedure; you will not have any cuts or scars following your cystoscopy.
Your urologist inserts a fine telescope, with a light and a digital camera, into your bladder through your penis. The camera relays images to a screen, allowing your consultant to see the inside of your bladder.
The expert urologists at The London Clinic are highly-skilled in cystoscopy. As well as taking samples for analysis, they can also excise small polyps and remove bladder stones through the flexible cystoscope.
A flexible cystoscopy is an important investigation for men with urinary problems. The urologists use cystoscopy to investigate:
- Pain and discomfort passing urine
- Blood in the urine
- Repeated urine infections
- Irritable bladder
The expert urologists at The London Clinic can also treat conditions through the flexible cystoscope:
- Removal of small polyps
- Removal of small bladder stones
After the procedure, the expert team will support you as you recover. You will be able to go home on the day of your cystoscopy, as soon as you have passed urine.
Your team will let you know the findings of the investigation and provide individual guidance on aftercare. They will also arrange follow-up for any treatment needed and to get the results of any biopsies.
You should be able to return to work and normal activities the next day. The team will always be on hand if you have any problems or worries.