Flexible Cystoscopy
This page will provide you with information about flexible cystoscopy. For further details, please speak to your consultant.
What is a flexible cystoscopy?
This procedure uses a cystoscope (flexible telescope) to search for any problems within the bladder. It may be recommended as a result of the following symptoms:
- Pain
- Blood in the urine
- Repeated infections
- Irritable bladder (sudden need to pass urine)
What are the alternatives to the procedure?
If information is needed about the problem, a scan may be recommended.
A rigid cystoscopy (under a general or spinal anaesthetic) may be recommended in order for your surgeon to treat certain issues.
What will happen during the procedure?
The doctor passes the cystoscope into the urethra (see Figure 1).
To help diagnose any potential problems, they will flush fluid through the cystoscope into the bladder. The doctor will then look for problems in the bladder lining using the cystoscope. If a stone or growth is encountered during the procedure, it is possible to remove it through the cystoscope.
The whole procedure will take about approximately five minutes.

Figure 1
Cross section of the female pelvic region showing a female cystoscopy
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Risks and complications
Any risks or complications will be discussed in advance of your treatment with your expert consultant.
Recovery
You will be able to go home once you have passed urine and unless advised otherwise, you should be able to go back to work the following day.
An exercise regime should help to prepare for the procedure and aid recovery afterwards. Check with your GP before doing so.
If you require treatment or follow-up, the healthcare team will discuss it with you after the procedure, along with any results.
Summary
A flexible cystoscopy is a safe and effective way of determining any problems in the bladder.
References:
EIDO Healthcare Limited – The operation and treatment information on this page is produced using information from EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed by Aspen Healthcare.
The information should not replace advice that your relevant health professional would give you.
Flexible Cystoscopy Consultants
Qualifications
FRCS(Urol) SA
Clinical Interests
General urology, laparascopic and robotic surgery for renal and prostate cancer.
Qualifications
FRCS(Urol) SA
Clinical Interests
General urology, laparascopic and robotic surgery for renal and prostate cancer.
Qualifications
MBBS, MS, FRCS(Urol)
Clinical Interests
Minimally invasive surgery for stress incontinence (TVT/TOT), management of overactive bladder with Botox and posterior...
Qualifications
MBBS, MS, FRCS(Urol)
Clinical Interests
Minimally invasive surgery for stress incontinence (TVT/TOT), management of overactive bladder with Botox and posterior...
Qualifications
MB BS FRCS FRCS(Urol)
Clinical Interests
Female urology, incontinence surgery, prolapse, bladder dysfunction, interstitial cystitis and urinary tract infections....
Qualifications
MB BS FRCS FRCS(Urol)
Clinical Interests
Female urology, incontinence surgery, prolapse, bladder dysfunction, interstitial cystitis and urinary tract infections....
Qualifications
MD BSc FRCS(Urol)
Clinical Interests
Prostate cancer, bladder cancer and general urology.
Qualifications
MD BSc FRCS(Urol)
Clinical Interests
Prostate cancer, bladder cancer and general urology.
Qualifications
MBBS, MD, FRCS (Urol)
Clinical Interests
Circumcision
Prostate and bladder problems
Testicular conditions, benign and malignant
Diagnosis and treatment of prostate...
Qualifications
MBBS, MD, FRCS (Urol)
Clinical Interests
Circumcision
Prostate and bladder problems
Testicular conditions, benign and malignant
Diagnosis and treatment of prostate...
Qualifications
FRCS FCS(SA) UROL MMed(UCT)
Clinical Interests
Laparoscopic Urology surgery
Laparoscopic open kidney surgery /Kidney removal
Kidney disorders & stone disease
Nephrectomies
Adrenal...
Qualifications
FRCS FCS(SA) UROL MMed(UCT)
Clinical Interests
Laparoscopic Urology surgery
Laparoscopic open kidney surgery /Kidney removal
Kidney disorders & stone disease
Nephrectomies
Adrenal...
Qualifications
BSc (Hons) MBBS (Eng) MRCS (Eng) FRCS (Urol)
Clinical Interests
Female urology, recurrent urinary tract infections, incontinence in men and women, pelvic organ prolapse, neuro-urology...
Qualifications
BSc (Hons) MBBS (Eng) MRCS (Eng) FRCS (Urol)
Clinical Interests
Female urology, recurrent urinary tract infections, incontinence in men and women, pelvic organ prolapse, neuro-urology...
Qualifications
BSc(Hons) MBBS(Lon) MD(Lon) FRCS(Eng) FRCS (Urol)
Clinical Interests
General urology including vasectomy and vasectomy reversal, management of kidney stones, prostate and bladder conditions...
Qualifications
BSc(Hons) MBBS(Lon) MD(Lon) FRCS(Eng) FRCS (Urol)
Clinical Interests
General urology including vasectomy and vasectomy reversal, management of kidney stones, prostate and bladder conditions...
Qualifications
MBBS, FRCS (Urol), MD
Clinical Interests
General urology, urinary tract infections, haematuria, female urinary disorders/problems incontinence, renal stones...
Qualifications
MBBS, FRCS (Urol), MD
Clinical Interests
General urology, urinary tract infections, haematuria, female urinary disorders/problems incontinence, renal stones...