Preparing for the procedure
- Provide a urine sample if requested
- Tell the team about infection symptoms or medication
- Ask whether you may eat, drink and drive as normal
- Understand what the examination is looking for
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Diagnostic procedure
Flexible cystoscopy
A short camera examination of the urethra and bladder, usually performed with local anaesthetic gel.
Why it may be recommended
Cystoscopy helps investigate blood in the urine, recurrent infections, bladder symptoms, suspected narrowing and surveillance after bladder tumours.
What generally happens
A thin flexible telescope is passed gently through the urethra into the bladder. Sterile fluid opens the bladder for inspection. The procedure is usually brief.
Recovery & follow-up
- Mild burning and light blood staining may occur briefly
- Drink according to your usual medical guidance
- Seek help for fever, inability to urinate or worsening pain
- Results and next steps may be discussed immediately or at follow-up
Questions worth asking
Be informed before you decide.
- 01Why is cystoscopy recommended?
- 02Will I need a biopsy?
- 03When will I receive results?
- 04What should prompt an urgent call?