Cystoscopy 

Cystoscopy allows a urologist to examine the inside of your bladder and urethra, the tube that carries urine out of your body. A thin instrument with a light and camera, called a cystoscope, is passed through the urethra to look for changes that may explain urinary symptoms. The procedure can help guide diagnosis and the next steps in your care.

Surgical Solutions Network offers private cystoscopy at Clearpoint Surgical Toronto in Toronto, Ontario, and Still Creek Surgical Centre in Burnaby, British Columbia, in the Metro Vancouver area. During your consultation, a urologist will review your symptoms and medical history, explain whether cystoscopy is appropriate, and discuss what to expect.

Why Choose Surgical Solutions Network

Urinary symptoms can affect your comfort, confidence, and daily routine. Our team provides patient-centred care, with clear explanations of your assessment, the recommended procedure, and how the findings may guide your treatment.

At Surgical Solutions Network, you can access care in a modern surgical facility with dedicated pre-operative and recovery areas. Our team helps you understand how to prepare, what to expect during your appointment, and the follow-up you may need, with care provided here in Canada.

Who We Help

We welcome patients from across Canada. Our intake team will confirm your eligibility and explain which medical records, urine test results, imaging, or other assessments are needed for your consultation. Patients travelling for their procedure will receive guidance on planning their visit and recovery.

Common Concerns Assessed

Your urologist may consider cystoscopy when assessing:

• Blood in the urine, either visible or found on testing
• Recurrent urinary tract infections when further investigation is needed
• Persistent pain or burning with urination
• Difficulty passing urine or a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
• Ongoing urinary urgency, frequency, or other unexplained bladder symptoms

When Is Cystoscopy Recommended?

Cystoscopy may be recommended when symptoms or test results need further investigation. It can help identify changes such as bladder stones, abnormal tissue, or narrowing of the urethra. Your urologist will explain how it fits with other tests, which may include urine testing or imaging.

A urine sample may be requested before the procedure to check for infection. If you have an active urinary tract infection, treatment and rescheduling may be needed.

Types of Cystoscopy

The type of cystoscopy and anaesthetic depend on the reason for the procedure. Your urologist will confirm the approach available and appropriate for your care.

Flexible Cystoscopy

A flexible cystoscopy uses a thin, bendable instrument and is commonly performed with local anaesthetic gel to numb the urethra. You usually remain awake during the examination.

Rigid Cystoscopy

A rigid cystoscopy uses a straight instrument and is usually performed under general or spinal anaesthetic. It may be used when a closer examination, tissue sampling, or an additional procedure is needed.

How Is Cystoscopy Performed?

The urologist gently passes the cystoscope through the urethra into the bladder. Sterile fluid helps fill the bladder so its lining can be examined. You may feel pressure or the need to urinate. The instrument is removed once the examination is complete; a diagnostic cystoscopy does not require an external incision.

If an abnormal area is found, a biopsy or further procedure may be recommended, either at the same appointment or separately. Your urologist will explain what is planned and any additional arrangements required.

Potential Benefits of Cystoscopy

• A direct view of the bladder lining and urethra
• Information to help investigate unexplained urinary symptoms
• Identification of changes that may need further testing or treatment
• A clearer plan for treatment, monitoring, or additional assessment

Recovery After Cystoscopy

Most patients return home the same day. After a flexible cystoscopy with local anaesthetic, many can resume normal activities when comfortable. Sedation, general or spinal anaesthetic, or an additional procedure may require more recovery time. Your team will explain any restrictions on work, driving, exercise, and sexual activity.

Mild burning when urinating, urinary frequency, and a small amount of blood in the urine can occur for a short time afterward. Follow your team’s advice on fluids and pain relief, and contact them if symptoms persist or worsen.

Your urologist may discuss initial findings after the examination. Biopsy results, if a sample is taken, require laboratory testing and are reviewed later.

Take the Next Step

If urinary symptoms or test results need further investigation, our team can help you understand your options. Contact Surgical Solutions Network to request a consultation and learn whether private cystoscopy may be right for you.