Cystoscopy in Cambridge

FAQs

• What's the difference between a flexible and a rigid cystoscopy?

  A flexible cystoscopy uses a bendable cystoscope under local anaesthetic, so you stay awake. A rigid cystoscopy uses a telescope that cannot bend, is usually done under general or spinal anaesthetic, and allows instruments to be passed through for a biopsy or treatment.

• Will I be awake during my cystoscopy?

  For a flexible cystoscopy, yes, you'll be awake, as it only needs a local anaesthetic gel. For a rigid cystoscopy, you'll usually be asleep under general anaesthetic, or numb from the waist down under a spinal anaesthetic.

• How long does the test take?

  The examination itself usually takes only a few minutes. You may feel some discomfort or an urge to pass urine during this time, but it should not be painful.

• Can a cystoscopy find cancer?

  Yes, it's one of the tests used to look for possible signs of bladder cancer, such as blood in your urine, and to check whether a cancer from a nearby area has spread into the bladder or urethra. It's also used after bladder cancer treatment to check the treatment has worked and no new growths have appeared.

• What happens if I have a urine infection on the day?

  Your urine sample is checked for infection before the test. If an infection is found, you may be given antibiotics and the test may need to be delayed.

• Is a cystoscopy painful?

  It should not be painful, though you may notice some discomfort or feel an urge to pass urine while the cystoscope is in place. The local anaesthetic gel used for a flexible cystoscopy helps to keep this to a minimum.