Flexible Cystoscopy — Private Bladder Examination Teesside
A direct visual inspection of the bladder and urethra — the gold standard investigation for blood in urine, recurrent infections, bladder symptoms and suspected bladder pathology. Performed by Mr. Jesuraj personally at Best Life Clinic.
WHY CYSTOSCOPY MATTERS
THE PROCEDURE
What Is Cystoscopy?
Cystoscopy is a procedure in which a thin, flexible telescope (cystoscope) is passed through the urethra into the bladder, allowing the urologist to directly visualise the inner lining of the bladder and urethra. It is one of the most important diagnostic tools in urology — providing information that imaging alone cannot give.
At Tees Urology, flexible cystoscopy is the standard approach. Unlike rigid cystoscopy (which requires general anaesthetic), flexible cystoscopy is performed under local anaesthetic gel — making it suitable as an outpatient or clinic procedure without the need for a hospital admission or sedation in most cases.
The procedure typically takes 5–10 minutes. Mr. Jesuraj performs and interprets the cystoscopy himself — and discusses the findings with you immediately afterwards.
WHEN IS CYSTOSCOPY NEEDED?
PROCEDURE TYPES
Types of Cystoscopy & Procedures Offered
Different clinical situations call for different approaches. Mr. Jesuraj performs all of the following at Tees Urology.
Flexible Cystoscopy
The standard diagnostic cystoscopy — performed under local anaesthetic gel (instilled into the urethra). A thin, flexible telescope is gently passed into the bladder to inspect the entire inner lining. The whole procedure takes 5–10 minutes and most patients find it uncomfortable but tolerable.
|
ANAESTHETIC |
Local anaesthetic gel |
|
SETTING |
Clinic / outpatient |
|
DURATION |
5–10 minutes |
|
RECOVERY |
Immediate — drive home |
|
FEE |
£900 |
Cystoscopy & Bladder Biopsy
When a suspicious area is found during cystoscopy, a biopsy (small tissue sample) can be taken for histological analysis. For small lesions, this can sometimes be done under local anaesthetic. Larger or multiple biopsies typically require a rigid cystoscopy under general anaesthetic.
Biopsy is essential for: diagnosis of bladder cancer, interstitial cystitis, and other bladder mucosal conditions. Results are typically available within 7–10 days and are reviewed with you in a follow-up appointment.
|
ANAESTHETIC |
Local (small) or general (larger) |
|
RESULTS |
7–10 days — reviewed personally |
|
SETTING |
Clinic or theatre |
Rigid Cystoscopy & TURBT
Transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) is the primary surgical treatment for bladder cancer. Under general anaesthetic, a rigid cystoscope is passed and the bladder tumour is resected (shaved away) using electrosurgical instruments. The resected tissue is sent for histological staging.
This procedure is performed at Ramsay Tees Valley Hospital and is arranged promptly following cystoscopic diagnosis. Mr. Jesuraj performs the resection personally.
|
ANAESTHETIC |
General or spinal anaesthetic |
|
SETTING |
Ramsay Tees Valley Hospital |
|
STAY |
Day case or overnight |
|
RECOVERY |
1–2 weeks |
Cystoscopy & Botox Bladder Injection
Botulinum toxin A (Botox) injected into the bladder wall is a highly effective treatment for overactive bladder (OAB) and urge incontinence that has not responded to medication. Under flexible cystoscopy, multiple small injections are made into the detrusor muscle — relaxing the bladder and reducing involuntary contractions.
The effect typically lasts 6–9 months and can be repeated. Most patients experience significant improvement within 2 weeks of the procedure. It is also used for neurogenic bladder overactivity in conditions including MS and spinal cord injury.
|
ANAESTHETIC |
Local anaesthetic gel |
|
DURATION |
15–20 minutes |
|
EFFECT ONSET |
2 weeks |
|
DURATION OF EFFECT |
6–9 months — repeatable |
|
FEE |
£1,000 (includes cystoscopy) |
Intravesical Bladder Treatments
Intravesical treatments are medications instilled directly into the bladder via a catheter — allowing high local drug concentration without systemic side effects.
BCG immunotherapy — for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (adjuvant treatment after TURBT)
Mitomycin C — single instillation chemotherapy after TURBT
Hyaluronic acid / Cystistat — for bladder pain syndrome / interstitial cystitis
DMSO instillation — for bladder pain syndrome
|
SETTING |
Clinic catheterisation |
|
FREQUENCY |
Variable — depends on indication |
Cystoscopy & Hydrodistension
Hydrodistension (stretching the bladder under anaesthetic) is used in the assessment and treatment of bladder pain syndrome / interstitial cystitis. Under general anaesthetic, the bladder is filled to capacity under controlled pressure — allowing inspection of the mucosa for characteristic Hunner lesions, and providing temporary pain relief in some patients.
|
ANAESTHETIC |
General anaesthetic |
|
SETTING |
Diagnosis + therapeutic |
|
SETTING |
Theatre — day case |
What to Expect
Preparation
No special preparation is needed. Attend with a comfortably full bladder — you will be asked to provide a urine sample on arrival. Continue all regular medications.
Local Anaesthetic
Anaesthetic gel is instilled into the urethra and left for a few minutes to take effect. This reduces discomfort significantly. You remain awake throughout — most patients find the procedure uncomfortable but not painful.
The Cystoscopy
The flexible cystoscope is gently passed into the bladder. Mr. Jesuraj inspects the entire bladder lining systematically — the procedure takes 5–10 minutes. You can see the images on the screen if you wish.
Immediate Results
Mr. Jesuraj discusses findings with you immediately after the procedure. If additional treatment or biopsy is needed, this is explained clearly and arranged promptly. You can drive home and return to normal activities.
After the Procedure
Drink plenty of fluids for 24–48 hours to flush the bladder
Mild stinging or burning when passing urine is normal for 24–48 hours
Slight blood in urine (pink tinge) for 24 hours is expected
You can drive home and return to work the same day
Contact us if: high fever, heavy bleeding, or inability to pass urine
Prophylactic antibiotics are prescribed to minimise infection risk
Interested?
Book a consultation with Mr. Jesuraj to find out if you are a suitable candidate. Appointments available within days.