Using this guide What's covered
Here you’ll find the answers to many of your questions about cystoscopy. Learn how the procedure works, what it may cost, what your recovery may be like, and more.
To see how this procedure is done, view our animation below. For personal insights, see our patient experience videos in which HCF members talk frankly about their preparation, their procedure and their recovery.
Cost indicator
Discover the typical out-of-pocket costs HCF members can expect to pay for cystoscopy and learn how your choice of doctor and hospital affect that cost.
The basics
What is a cystoscopy?
Cystoscopy is a procedure that allows the doctor to see inside your bladder and urethra and sometimes perform procedures. It’s carried out using a specialised endoscopic instrument called a cystoscope. A cystoscope is a long lighted fibre-optic tube with a small camera at the end. A cystoscopy can reveal information that’s not obvious on an x-ray or ultrasound.
Why is it done?
It’s done to help diagnose the reason for problems such as:
- recurrent urinary tract infection
- retention of urine
- pain
- blood-stained urine
- difficult or frequent urination
- incontinence.
As well as diagnosis, a cystoscopy may also be used as a treatment, including:
- removing tumours from your bladder
- crushing and removing stones found in your bladder
- removing an obstruction in your bladder
- treating bleeding in your bladder.
The details
CONSIDERING THE PROCEDURE
Alternatives to cystoscopy
Are there any other options?
Learn more
Types of cystoscopy procedure
Benefits and drawbacks of the different types of procedure.
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Results vs risks of the procedure
The benefits and potential complications of cystoscopy.
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Choosing a specialist
How to find a urologist who specialises in your procedure.
Learn more
Preparation
Questions for your doctor
What you should be asking before going ahead with cystoscopy.
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Preparing for your procedure
What you need to do before your cystoscopy.
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Your anaesthetic options
About the anaesthetic and post-procedure pain relief.
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YOUR PROCEDURE
Going to hospital
What to expect on the day of your procedure.
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Your procedure
What happens in the procedure room?
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RECOVERY
After your procedure
Before you go home.
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Aftercare
Taking precautions and resuming activities.
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Patient experiences
People who’ve had cystoscopies talk about their preparation, procedure and recovery.
View videos
Give us feedback
Did you find this guide helpful? Let us know what you liked or what we can do to improve it. We'd love to hear from you.
To provide feedback, email us at wellbeing@hcf.com.au.
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Important information
Information is provided by HCF in good faith for the convenience of members. It is not an endorsement or recommendation of any form of treatment nor is it a substitute for medical advice, and you should rely on the advice of your treating doctors in relation to all matters concerning your health. Every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, however HCF takes no responsibility for any injury, loss, damage or other consequences of the use of this information.