Flexible Cystoscopy (Female)

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What is a flexible cystoscopy?

A flexible cystoscopy is a procedure to check for any problems in your bladder using a flexible telescope (cystoscope).

What are the benefits of a flexible cystoscopy?

You may be getting pain, blood in your urine, repeated infections, or you may have an irritable bladder (a sudden and uncontrolled urge to pass urine).

If your doctor does see a problem during the cystoscopy, they may perform a biopsy (removing small pieces of tissue).

Are there any alternatives to a flexible cystoscopy?

A scan may give some information about the cause of the problem but a flexible cystoscopy often leads to a diagnosis.

It is possible to have a rigid cystoscopy that allows your surgeon to treat certain problems with your bladder and urinary tubes. However, a rigid cystoscopy involves a general or spinal anaesthetic.

What does the procedure involve?

A flexible cystoscopy usually takes about 5 minutes.

They may squeeze some local anaesthetic jelly into your urethra to help prevent infection and reduce discomfort.

Your doctor will pass the cystoscope into your urethra.

Your doctor will pass fluid through the cystoscope and into your bladder to help them make the diagnosis. They will use the cystoscope to look for any problems in the lining of your bladder.

If your doctor finds a small growth or stone, it may be possible to remove it through the cystoscope.

How soon will I recover?

You should be able to go home the same day, after you have passed urine.

You should be able to return to work the day after the cystoscopy unless you are told otherwise.

The healthcare team will tell you what was found during the cystoscopy and discuss with you any treatment or follow-up you need.

Regular exercise should improve your long-term health. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

What complications can happen?

Some complications can be serious and can even cause death.

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Narrowing of your urethra

Availability

NHS/Private

Pricing*

Consultant
£235
Anaesthetist
-
Hospital
£1865
Prices start from
£2100

*The prices shown are minimum guide prices only. Diagnostic scans and investigations are not included unless otherwise stated. The exact cost of treatment will be made clear to you before you proceed.

This document is intended for information purposes only and should not replace advice your healthcare team gives you. This information is published under license from EIDO Healthcare UK and is protected by copyright. Other than for your personal, non-commercial use, you may not copy, print, download or otherwise reproduce it.

A flexible cystoscopy is usually a safe and effective way of finding out if there is a problem with your bladder.

What to do next
  1. Talk to us about ways to pay, either insured or self-pay, and find out if you need a referral from your doctor.
  2. If you need one, ask your doctor for a referral letter.
  3. Call us to book an appointment with a consultant.
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