Cystoscopy
Cystoscopy is a procedure that lets a urologist look directly inside the urethra and bladder using a thin telescope with a camera, passed through the natural urinary opening. It is used to find the cause of blood in the urine, recurrent infections or urinary symptoms, and can also treat problems such as small tumors, stones and strictures.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
Cystoscopy is a cornerstone of urological diagnosis and a versatile treatment tool. Using either a flexible scope (comfortable and usually done awake with anesthetic gel) or a rigid scope (for operative work under sedation or general anesthesia), the urologist inspects the lining of the urethra and bladder in detail. It is the key test for investigating visible or microscopic blood in the urine, recurrent or unusual urinary infections, and persistent bladder symptoms, and it allows direct biopsy or removal of abnormal tissue. The same approach is used to take biopsies, remove small bladder tumors, manage stones, treat strictures and place or change ureteric stents.
Our urology and robotic surgery teams use modern high-definition and, where helpful, enhanced-imaging cystoscopy to improve detection of subtle abnormalities. For international patients, a coordinator arranges the consultation and any preparatory tests and provides a transparent, personalized cost estimate before travel. Specialists can review prior scans and reports remotely, so whether you need a diagnostic look or an operative procedure is clarified before you arrive, keeping your stay efficient.
Who is a candidate?
- People with visible or microscopic blood in the urine that needs investigation
- Patients with recurrent, persistent or unusual urinary tract infections
- Those with ongoing bladder symptoms such as urgency, frequency or pain of unclear cause
- People needing biopsy, removal or surveillance of a bladder tumor
- Patients with suspected stones, strictures, or a need for stent placement or removal
- Individuals fit for the appropriate level of anesthesia, confirmed at assessment
What happens
- 1
Consultation and assessment
A urologist reviews your symptoms, urine tests and any imaging to decide whether a flexible (awake) or rigid (sedated or general anesthetic) cystoscopy is most suitable and whether treatment may be done at the same time.
- 2
Preparation
For a diagnostic flexible cystoscopy little preparation is needed beyond a urine check. For operative cases you fast beforehand and the anesthesia team plans sedation or general anesthesia.
- 3
The procedure
Anesthetic gel is applied, the scope is gently passed through the urethra into the bladder, and the lining is inspected. If needed, biopsies are taken or tumors, stones or strictures are treated through the same scope.
- 4
Recovery
After a diagnostic exam you can usually leave shortly afterwards. Following an operative procedure you are observed for a few hours, and a temporary catheter is occasionally used.
- 5
Aftercare
Mild burning when passing urine and pink-tinged urine are common for a day or two. Drinking plenty of fluids helps, and your urologist explains any biopsy results and next steps.
Benefits
- Gives a direct, detailed view of the urethra and bladder that scans alone cannot provide
- Identifies the cause of blood in the urine, infections and bladder symptoms accurately
- Allows biopsy and treatment of many problems in the same session
- Flexible cystoscopy is usually quick, comfortable and done while awake
- Supports ongoing surveillance to detect bladder problems early
Risks & considerations
- Mild burning when passing urine and pink-tinged urine for a day or two
- Urinary tract infection, which is uncommon and treatable
- Temporary difficulty passing urine, occasionally needing a short-term catheter
- Minor bleeding, more likely if a biopsy or treatment was performed
- The usual, low risks of sedation or general anesthesia when these are used
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is performed by our Urology Department.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Cystoscopy — frequently asked questions
A diagnostic cystoscopy is usually a quick day-case procedure with no overnight stay, while operative cystoscopy with biopsy or tumor removal may need a few hours of observation. Your coordinator prepares a transparent, personalized estimate before you travel, based on whether the procedure is diagnostic or operative.
Yes. You can send your urine results, scans and prior reports for a remote review, so our specialists advise whether you need a diagnostic look or a treatment procedure and explain what to expect before you arrive.
A flexible cystoscopy done awake uses anesthetic gel and is generally well tolerated, with a brief stinging sensation. Operative cystoscopy is performed under sedation or general anesthesia, so nothing is felt during the procedure.
The urologist can describe what they see immediately after the procedure. If a biopsy is taken, laboratory results typically take several days, and your team will explain the findings and any next steps.
Flexible cystoscopy uses a soft, thin scope and is ideal for awake diagnostic examinations. Rigid cystoscopy uses a firmer scope under anesthesia and allows more involved treatment, such as removing tumors or stones.
Often yes. Biopsies, removal of small bladder tumors, stone management, treatment of strictures and stent changes can all be carried out through the cystoscope in the same session when planned in advance.
Related treatments
Considering cystoscopy?
Share your reports for a medical second opinion and a transparent, itemized cost estimate — usually within 48 hours.