If you are having issues with you bladder, than your GP may recommend you have a cystoscopy to diagnose the issue or to treat it. Our short guide explains more about why you might need the procedure and what happens if you have a cystoscopy.
What is a cystoscopy?
A cystoscopy is a healthcare procedure used to look inside your bladder, part of your urinary system to diagnose or provide treatment.
Why might I need a cystoscopy?
A cystoscopy can be used to check what is causing bladder symptoms, such as overactive bladder or water retention, and treat some bladder conditions, or help diagnose and treat bladder cancer.
A cystoscopy can check symptoms such as:
- Blood in your urine (haematuria)
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Weak bladder (urinary incontinence)
- Pain in your stomach
- Pain while urinating
- Difficulty in urinating
How do I get a cystoscopy?
Although you can have a cystoscopy done privately or by the NHS, in most cases your journey will start with a referral by your own GP to a urology surgeon, who deals with bladders and kidneys. Either way, you will need to discuss with the surgeon whether this type of procedure is suitable for you.
Waiting times for cystoscopies in the NHS will vary depending on where you live. And although the operation is the same whether it is done in the NHS or the private sector, you will have it done sooner if you opt to go privately.
Before your cystoscopy operation
Your surgeon will discuss the benefits and risks and any potential treatments, e.g. stent for kidney stones. If decide to go ahead, you will need some tests to make sure you are fit enough for the operation.
What happens on the day of your cystoscopy?
For most cystoscopies you will arrive, have your operation and go home all on the same day – this is called a day case.
To prevent you feeling any pain or discomfort during the operation your anaesthetist will recommend one of three types of anaesthetic:
- general anaesthetic, to put you to sleep
- regional anaesthetic, where medicine is used to numb the lower half of your body
A cystoscopy usually takes 30 minutes to 2 hours, and involves a long, thin tube with a small camera is inserted into your urethra and moved into your bladder.
A cystoscopy can treat:
- Bladder stones
- Large prostate (benign prostate hypertrophy)
- Bladder cancer
Recovery and what to expect after cystoscopy
After the operation you will go to the recovery room and then back to the day case ward. You will go home once you feel well enough. This usually takes a few hours.
Your healthcare team will talk you through any side effects and when you might have a follow up appointment if one is required.
You will not be able to drive until you have recovered from the operation, so you will need to plan for getting home. Once you feel comfortable, practice an emergency stop in a parked car and if you can do this safely, then you can consider driving again.
Complications of cystoscopy and follow ups
All surgical operations carry a risk of complications. Your risks can increase the older you are, particularly if you have other health problems. Your surgeon will discuss any specific concerns with you before your operation.
Uncommon – between 1 in 100 and 1 in 1,000 people which is equivalent to one person in a village.
- There's a small chance of getting a urinary tract infection after a cystoscopy.
- Sometimes swelling after the procedure means you are having trouble passing urine once you’re home. You may need a tube (catheter) to drain urine from your bladder for a few days.
- You may also feel a burning sensation while peeing.
Rare – between 1 in 1,000 and 1 in 10,000 people which is equivalent to one person in a town.
- Very rarely, your bladder may be damaged during a cystoscopy
Contact the hospital where you had your operation if you develop complications.
Cystoscopy costs and fees
Cystoscopy is available through private medical insurance. Check with your insurer whether they will cover it.
You can also self-fund a cystoscopy. Typically, an initial consultation with the surgeon will cost between £150 and £200. The cost of the operation itself will vary depending on the exact surgery you need. Cystoscopy costs in the UK also vary depending on where you live. If you opt to self-fund you will be offered one of the following.
- An all-inclusive ‘package price’, where you know the full costs before undergoing treatment. Not all consultants and hospitals offer this.
- A ‘fee-per-service’ deal, where you pay for each part of your treatment and the services you use separately. You often will not know the full costs until you receive invoices.
For more information, you can read our guide on self-pay.
