Cystoscopy — Private Bladder Examination Teesside

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.