Cystoscopy

Procedures we perform

ABOUT CYSTOSCOPY

What is a cystoscopy?

A cystoscopy is a procedure to look into the bladder by passing a telescope through the urethra (the tube you pass urine through).

Why is a cystoscopy required?

Cystoscopy is performed to investigate and treat problems with the bladder and the urethra.

Common reasons for a cystoscopy include:

Blood in the urine.

Recurrent urinary tract infections.

Urinary symptoms such as frequency, urgency, incontinence, and difficulty voiding.

Bladder cancer.

Bladder pain.

Urethral stricture.

Blood in urine

Blood in urine, also known as haematuria, causes the urine to look red, pink, or cola-coloured.

Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is a disease caused by the abnormal growth of cells in the bladder. It occurs when cells from the lining of the bladder (known as the urothelium), grow uncontrollably, forming a tumour that can spread to other parts of the body.

Urinary incontinence

Urinary incontinence is lack of voluntary control over urination.

Urinary tract infections

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that occurs in any part of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most UTIs involve the lower urinary tract, specifically the bladder and urethra.

Bladder pain syndrome (Interstitial cystitis)

Bladder pain syndrome (BPS), formerly known interstitial cystitis (IC), is a condition which causes pelvic pain and urinary symptoms, including urinary frequency, urgency, and waking at night to pass urine.

Urethral stricture

A urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urethra due to scar tissue, inflammation, or injury. This narrowing blocks or slows the flow of urine, and it can cause various urinary problems.

PATIENT JOURNEY

What does a cystoscopy involve?

Cystocopy involves passing a telescope through the urethra into the bladder.

Once the telescope is in the bladder, the bladder is filled with sterile water and the bladder wall, urethra, and prostate (in men) are inspected. It’s possible to perform minor procedures during cystoscopy, such as taking a biopsy or cauterising bleeding.

Cystoscopy can be performed with general anaesthetic, sedation, or local anaesthetic (numbing gel).