Barts and The London Urology Centre
A flexible cystoscopy test allows the urologist to look inside your bladder using a thin flexible tube like telescope called a cystoscope. This tiny telescope is carefully passed through the urethra (the tube you pass urine from) and into the bladder.
A flexible cystoscopy is performed to investigate what is causing your symptoms or as a regular follow-up for people with bladder disease. This procedure is done while you are awake and a lubricating anaesthetic (numbing) gel is administered in your urethra prior to the test. Receiving the anaesthetic is not a painful procedure, however you may find it uncomfortable while the flexible cystoscope is being passed into your bladder. This is a quick procedure which does not take any longer than five minutes. The urologist will inform you of findings from the flexible cystoscopy soon after the test is completed.
After the test, you will be encouraged to drink plenty of fluids to reduce the risk of urine infection. The results of all the investigations will also be sent to your GP via a letter and this usually takes about two weeks.