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Patients & Visitors

Urology

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D11

Overview

Prostate Cancer investigations

Biopsy techniques

Uretheral Pressure profile

Flexible Cystoscopy

Urodynamics

Imaging techniques

The flexible cystoscopy

What does the procedure involve?

A small flexible telescope is inserted into the bladder via the water pipe (urethra). A local anaesthetic jelly is used to numb and lubricate the urethra which makes passage of the instrument into the bladder as comfortable as possible. Men often find passage of the instrument through the area of the prostate gland uncomfortable but this is momentary.

Once the instrument is in place, the examination will only take a few minutes to complete. During the procedure sterile water is used to fill the bladder so that all the lining can be inspected.

A nurse will remain with you whilst the examination is taking place and will explain anything you do not understand.

Once the urologist has completed the examination, he/she will remove the instrument and will explain the findings. You will also be advised of the need for any further treatment.

You will then be able to walk to the toilet to pass the fluid that has been used to fill your bladder.

At home after the procedure

When you get home, you should drink plenty of fluid to flush your system through.

You may find that, when you first pass urine, it stings or burns slightly and it may be lightly bloodstained. If you continue to drink plenty of fluid, this discomfort and bleeding will resolve rapidly.

If you develop a fever, severe pain on passing urine, inability to pass urine or worsening bleeding, you should contact your GP immediately.

What happens next?

This will depend on what we find. If an abnormality is found your urologist will explain what this is and will arrange for further investigation or an operation to treat the problem.

If all your tests are normal and there is no further cause for concern you will be reassured and discharged. However, if nothing is detected on your initial visit but concern still remains then further evaluation may be required with a CT scan that will be done urgently on a separate visit. You will then be seen in the outpatient department to discuss the results.

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