Cystoscopy is an inspection of the urethra and the inside of the bladder with a thin telescope passed through the natural urinary opening. Flexible cystoscopy is done awake with anaesthetic gel; rigid cystoscopy is done under sedation or general anaesthetic when instruments are needed.
It is the most reliable way to find bladder tumours, stones and strictures. It does not show the kidneys or ureters well, so it is usually paired with a CT or ultrasound scan.
What Cystoscopy shows
The urologist sees the lining of the urethra, the prostate channel in men, the bladder neck and the whole bladder wall, including the two openings where the ureters drain. Findings can include papillary or flat tumours, red patches that need biopsy, stones, diverticula, signs of chronic obstruction such as trabeculation, narrowing of the urethra, and fistulae. Small biopsies can be taken, and with a rigid scope small tumours can be removed or a stent placed or taken out.
When Cystoscopy is recommended
- Visible blood in the urine, or persistent microscopic blood after the age of about 40
- Surveillance after treatment for bladder cancer
- Repeated urinary infections without an obvious cause
- A weak stream or suspected urethral stricture
- Bladder pain or urgency that has not responded to treatment
- Removal of a ureteric stent
Limits and situations where another test is better:
- It should be postponed during an active urinary infection
- It does not image the upper urinary tract; CT urography does that
- Simple first-time cystitis in a young woman does not need it
How to prepare
- Give a urine sample beforehand so infection can be excluded
- For flexible cystoscopy eat and drink normally
- For a rigid scope under anaesthetic, fast for 6 hours
- Mention blood thinners, heart valve replacements and joint implants
What happens during the test
For the flexible test you lie on your back, the area is cleaned and anaesthetic gel is put into the urethra. The scope is passed while sterile water fills the bladder, which creates a strong urge to pass urine. Men feel a brief sting as the scope passes the sphincter and prostate. The look takes about 5 minutes. A rigid cystoscopy under anaesthetic takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Results and next steps
You are told what was seen immediately, often with pictures. If a biopsy was taken, histology takes 5 to 7 working days. A tumour usually leads to a planned resection under anaesthetic; a stricture or an enlarged prostate leads to a discussion of options.
- Test time: 5 to 30 minutes
- Results ready: Immediately; biopsies in 5 to 7 working days
- Back to everyday activity: Same day for flexible, 1 to 2 days after rigid
Safety and risks
- Burning when passing urine for 1 to 2 days
- Pink urine for a day or so
- Urinary infection in a small percentage of people
- Temporary difficulty passing urine, mainly in men with a large prostate
- Injury to the urethra or bladder is rare
Arranging Cystoscopy in Türkiye
A flexible cystoscopy is quick and widely available, so it is rarely a reason to travel alone. It is useful as part of a urological work-up for blood in the urine, or as the first step before a planned bladder or prostate procedure during the same stay.
Send your previous reports and the question you want answered and a Clinic-Y coordinator replies within 24 hours with suitable teams and written, all-inclusive proposals side by side. Reviewing your case is free.
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Is it painful?
Most people describe flexible cystoscopy as uncomfortable rather than painful. The strongest sensation is the urge to urinate while the bladder is filled.
Do I need antibiotics?
Not routinely. They are given when the urine test suggests infection or when you have particular risk factors.
How often is it repeated after bladder cancer?
Commonly every 3 months at first, then less often. The schedule depends on the grade and stage of the tumour.