Flexible Cystoscopy

A flexible cystoscopy is a common investigative procedure that allows a consultant urologist to easily examine your bladder and urinary tract.

What is a flexible cystoscopy?

A flexible cystoscopy often strikes fear into anyone that is told that they need one, but there is absolutely no reason to be scared.  It is an incredibly common procedure that is performed dozens of times a day at every urology department throughout the country.  It involves passing a very small flexible camera through the urinary tract using lots of jelly that has local anaesthetic in it.

The whole procedure only takes a couple of minutes and gives the Consultant performing the procedure an instant answer to multiple questions about your bladder and urinary tract and helps him / her to understand what the underlying cause of your problem is.

A flexible cystoscopy gives huge amounts of information about any narrowing, stenotic areas, stricturing, stone / prostatic obstruction, median lobe / flap valves, the level of the prostate, the lining of the bladder, the level of inflammation in the bladder, and the presence of any bladder stones.  Most important of all is whether there is cancer of the bladder.  This can all be found out instantaneously by performing a flexible cystoscopy and therefore is such a common investigation for urologists.

Flexible Cystoscopy Procedure

What to expect.

Instillagel® is a local anaesthetic gel which is inserted into the urethra prior to the procedure.

The procedure is quick and painless, although you may feel a slight pinch.  Afterwards you will need to pass urine as the Consultant will have filled your bladder with sterile water (this helps make the bladder wall more visible).

You may feel slight discomfort doing this and your urethra may feel sore for a few hours.

flexible cystoscopy

You will be able to go home whenever you feel ready after the procedure, however it is advised to drink plenty of water over the next 24 hours to help flush out your bladder and urethra.  You might like to take some over-the-counter pain relief if necessary over this time.

Most people have no problems following a flexible cystoscopy but you should always contact us at The Forbury Clinic or your GP if you experience any symptoms other than those already covered by the Consultant.

Flexible Cystoscopy FAQs

Get fast access to leading specialists for the swift diagnosis and treatment of urological conditions in a private clinic environment.

If you would like more information or wish to arrange a consultation with one of our specialist consultant urological surgeons then please either Call 0118 920 7040 or complete the form below.

Insured patients

Contact your GP and ask for a referral to the Urology Partnership.

All consultations, investigations and treatments are covered by major insurance companies (depending on policy).

Funding your own treatment

Self-funding initial consultation fee is £205. Follow up fees are £165.

Consultation charges are exclusive of any tests and other investigations that the consultant may wish to carry out.

If you are making an appointment on behalf of someone else, please complete the form with their details but add your own name and contact details into the "further information" box.

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