There are two kinds of cystoscopy, and which one is used will depend on whether the cystoscope is being used simply to look inside your bladder, or whether a procedure is to be carried out too.

In flexible cystoscopy, a flexible cystoscope is used to examine your bladder and identify the cause of any issues you’re having. You’ll be awake while it is carried out, and local anaesthetic jelly will be inserted into your urethra to make you more comfortable.

During a rigid cystoscopy, a cystoscope which doesn’t bend is used. For this procedure, you will either be given general anaesthetic or the lower half of your body will be numbed.

In both cases, the cystoscope will be inserted into your urethra and gently moved towards your bladder. Water may also be pumped into your bladder to allow your clinicians to see the inside more clearly. Your surgeon will review the images transmitted from the camera on a monitor, and the cystoscope is normally removed after a few minutes.

There are several benefits associated with cystoscopy, as it can be used to find and treat problems in the bladder. These include:

• Checking for the causes of issues such as blood in the urine, frequent urinary tract infections, issues with urinating and long-term pelvic pain
• Obtaining an accurate diagnosis, and helping clinicians to treat issues like bladder stones
• It’s minimally invasive
• It’s a relatively quick procedure
• It causes minimal discomfort.

As with any medical procedure, cystoscopy carries some risks and potential side effects. These may include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Pain or discomfort during or after the procedure
• Injury to the bladder or urethra

In flexible cystoscopy, a flexible cystoscope is used to examine your bladder and identify the cause of any issues you’re having. You’ll be awake while it is carried out, and local anaesthetic jelly will be inserted into your urethra to make you more comfortable.

During a rigid cystoscopy, a cystoscope which doesn’t bend is used. For this procedure, you will either be given general anaesthetic or the bottom half of your body will be temporarily numbed so that you don’t feel anything.

In both cases, the cystoscope will be inserted into your urethra and gently moved towards your bladder. Sterile saline may also be pumped into your bladder to allow your clinicians to see the inside more clearly. Your surgeon will review the images transmitted from the camera on a monitor, and if necessary will perform additional procedures, such as removing bladder stones. Once the procedure is completed, the cystoscope is carefully removed.

If you have problems such as persistent urinary tract infections, bleeding, bladder control issues or an enlarged prostate, your surgeon may decide that a cystoscopy could help, after they have evaluated your symptoms, medical history and overall health.

Should there be any diagnosis of cancer, patients may be referred back to their GP for ongoing management.

They will also take into account factors such as how severe the issue is, and your age.

You will be able to return home soon after your cystoscopy, once you have emptied your bladder, although you may have to wait a few hours if you have had a rigid cystoscopy. You’ll need to arrange for someone to drive you home afterwards.

Once home, you should rest for a day or two – after a rigid cystoscopy, you may need to take a few days off work. Don’t try to drive or drink alcohol for at least the first 24 hours, and make sure that you drink lots of water in the first few days.

You may have temporary discomfort or mild pain and/or a burning or stinging sensation when you urinate. This can usually be managed with over-the-counter painkillers. You may find that you need to urinate more often, and may notice that your urine is pink, but these symptoms should resolve after a few days.