Concierge urology · London
Private cystoscopy in London, performed by a consultant urologist.
A thin flexible camera that examines the urethra, bladder neck and bladder lining — the definitive test for blood in the urine, recurrent UTIs and bladder-cancer follow-up. Usually done in clinic with local anaesthetic gel.
Why patients choose us
- 01
Consultant urologists only
We route to BAUS-accredited consultants who do a high volume of flexible and rigid cystoscopies.
- 02
Same-visit haematuria clinics
When blood in the urine is the reason, we book units that scan and scope in one visit.
- 03
We chase the biopsies
If a biopsy is taken, histology comes back in a week or so — we make sure it is read and explained.
Indicative pricing
What a private cystoscopy costs in London.
Indicative ranges across our partner clinics. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options.
In short
A flexible (diagnostic) cystoscopy in our network: £550–£1,000, with findings on the day.
| Procedure | Indicative range | Typical duration | Report turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flexible cystoscopy (diagnostic) | £550–£1,000 | 10–15 min | 1–3 days |
| Cystoscopy with biopsy | £750–£1,400 | 20–30 min | 3–7 days |
| Cystoscopy + botox injection | £1,500–£2,800 | 30–45 min | 5–7 days |
| Rigid cystoscopy under GA | £2,000–£3,800 | 30–60 min | 5–7 days |
| Surveillance cystoscopy (bladder-cancer follow-up) | £550–£1,000 | 15–20 min | 1–3 days |
| Female urodynamics + cystoscopy | £1,200–£2,200 | 60–90 min | 5–10 days |
Prices vary by unit, whether local or general anaesthetic is needed, and whether biopsies or botox are added. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
Blood in the urine is a two-week-wait — but waiting is what happens.
Visible haematuria without a UTI is a red flag under NICE, but NHS haematuria clinics are backed up and the anxiety is real. We arrange a consultant urologist and a cystoscopy within days, in the same unit as your ultrasound.
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Blood in the urine?
We book a consultant urologist and, where indicated, a same-visit haematuria clinic with ultrasound.
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Recurrent UTIs?
A cystoscopy can find a treatable cause when antibiotics keep being needed.
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Follow-up after a tumour?
We keep your surveillance cystoscopies on schedule — 3, 6 and 12 months, as your protocol requires.
The journey
From enquiry to report — what happens, in order.
One clinician from first message to results — including the bit after the procedure.
Phase 1 · Before your procedure
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · On the day
~an hour at the clinic
Phase 3 · After
Concierge, back on
- 01
Before
You tell us what is going on
A short, confidential form. Symptoms, timeline, referral or insurer if you have them.
- 02
Before
We come back with a recommendation
Within one working day: flexible or rigid, which unit, indicative price. If a scan is the better first step, we say so.
- 03
Before
We arrange the appointment
Usually within a week. We review any blood-thinning medication and confirm antibiotic cover if you need it.
- 04
On the day
Arrival and preparation
You arrive, empty your bladder, change, and meet your consultant. Local anaesthetic gel is used for flexible cystoscopy.
- 05
On the day
The procedure itself
10–15 minutes for a flexible cystoscopy. Rigid cystoscopy under GA takes 30–60 minutes and needs day-case admission.
- 06
On the day
Recovery, then home
Straight home after a flexible; an hour or two of recovery after a GA. Mild burning and spotting for a day is normal.
- 07
After
Findings and next steps
Your consultant explains what they saw on the day. Any biopsy results follow in 5–10 days, and we make sure they are explained.
Typical end-to-end: 1–2 weeks. Urgent cases: days.
What it shows
Find the reason that matches your symptom.
Cystoscopy answers questions no scan can — it looks directly at the lining. These are the reasons people come to us.
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Blood in the urine (haematuria)
The definitive test for visible or persistent microscopic haematuria — the reason most people are referred.
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Recurrent urinary infections
Investigates women and men whose UTIs keep coming back, to look for a treatable cause.
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Bladder-cancer surveillance
The standard follow-up after a bladder tumour — checking for recurrence at set intervals.
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Unexplained pelvic or bladder pain
When pain is persistent and other tests are unclear, cystoscopy can rule in or out interstitial cystitis.
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Bladder-outlet obstruction
Assesses the urethra and bladder neck when the flow is poor or the bladder does not empty.
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Overactive bladder (pre-botox)
Confirms the diagnosis before botox is injected into the bladder wall in the same visit.
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Enlarged prostate assessment
In men, cystoscopy shows the prostatic urethra and helps plan surgery for BPH.
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Red flag — visible blood, no infection
Visible haematuria without a UTI is a two-week-wait referral. Do not sit on it.
Procedure types
Not all cystoscopies are the same.
What each option on your referral is actually for.
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Flexible cystoscopy
A thin, bendy camera passed under local anaesthetic gel in clinic. Uncomfortable but not usually painful.
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Rigid cystoscopy
A straight metal scope used under general or spinal anaesthetic — needed for more involved treatment.
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Cystoscopy with biopsy
A small tissue sample is taken from a suspicious area and sent for analysis.
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Cystoscopy + botox injection
Botulinum toxin is injected into the bladder wall for overactive bladder that has not responded to tablets.
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With retrograde pyelogram
Contrast is passed up the ureter under X-ray to look for a blockage or upper-tract lesion.
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Combined with urodynamics
Bladder-pressure and flow studies alongside cystoscopy — for incontinence and voiding problems.
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Combined with ureteroscopy
The scope is passed further, up the ureter, to look at stones or a suspicious area higher up.
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Bladder-cancer surveillance
A planned protocol of follow-up cystoscopies after a bladder tumour — typically 3-, 6- and 12-monthly.
Our vetted London network
A small panel of clinics, we picked them.
Partners across central, north, west and south London. Not listed publicly — introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every clinic in our network.
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CQC-registered units and day-case theatres
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Performed by consultant urologists (BAUS-accredited)
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Haematuria clinics with same-visit ultrasound where indicated
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Biopsies read by consultant uropathologists in UKAS-accredited labs
Safety and eligibility
Very safe — but there is real planning to do.
Cystoscopy is very safe, especially the flexible version. What matters is what you take beforehand and how you look after your bladder afterwards.
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It is uncomfortable, not usually painful
Flexible cystoscopy uses local anaesthetic gel and takes minutes. Most people feel a stinging pressure rather than pain.
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Rigid cystoscopy needs anaesthetic
Rigid scopes are used under general or spinal anaesthetic in a day-case theatre — you go home the same day.
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Empty your bladder just before
Arriving with an empty bladder makes the exam quicker and more comfortable. There is a toilet in the changing room.
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Antibiotic cover for higher-risk patients
A single dose of antibiotics is given if you have had UTIs, a heart-valve replacement, or a suppressed immune system.
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Blood-thinning medication
Warfarin, DOACs and clopidogrel may need pausing before a biopsy or botox. Never stop without advice — we coordinate this.
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Mild burning and spotting is normal
A stinging feeling when you pee, and a little pink in the urine, is expected for a day or two. Drink plenty of water.
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Drink water freely afterwards
Flushing the bladder helps the sting settle and reduces the small risk of a UTI in the days after.
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Pregnancy
Cystoscopy is usually deferred in pregnancy unless urgent. Tell us if you are or might be pregnant.
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Rare risks
UTI, bleeding and (very rarely) perforation are discussed on the day, with clear advice on when to call 999.
Reading your report
A cystoscopy report can look intimidating. It isn’t.
However much was examined, the report keeps to the same four parts.
A quiet reminder
You will be told the headline on the day — biopsy detail takes a little longer.
If you would like us to talk you through it before your follow-up, just ask.
- 01 Header
Your details and the indication
Your details, what was examined, and the reason behind the referral (haematuria, UTI, surveillance).
- 02 Technique
How the procedure was done
Whether a flexible or rigid scope was used, the anaesthesia, and whether any biopsies or botox injections were taken.
- 03 Findings
What the urologist saw
A description segment by segment — urethra, prostate or bladder neck, trigone, lateral walls and dome — with photographs where relevant.
- 04 Impression
The conclusion: read this first
The conclusion, the biopsy pathway if any, and when you need another cystoscopy. Histology follows separately.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Most policies cover cystoscopy when clinically indicated; we confirm cover and pre-authorisation before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about cystoscopy.
Quick answers on cost, flexible vs rigid, sedation, risks and results.
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What does a cystoscopy show?
It looks directly at the urethra, prostate or bladder neck, and the whole bladder lining. It is the definitive test for blood in the urine, recurrent UTIs, unexplained bladder pain, and for following up after a bladder tumour.
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How much does a private cystoscopy cost in London?
A flexible (diagnostic) cystoscopy is typically £550–£1,000 in our network. A cystoscopy with biopsy is £750–£1,400. A rigid cystoscopy under general anaesthetic is £2,000–£3,800. We confirm a firm figure within one working day.
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Do I need a referral?
A cystoscopy is usually arranged after a consultation with a urologist so the right scope and any imaging are chosen. We can arrange that consultation quickly, with or without a GP letter.
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What is the difference between flexible and rigid cystoscopy?
Flexible cystoscopy uses a thin bendy camera in clinic under local anaesthetic gel — a few minutes, then home. Rigid cystoscopy uses a straight metal scope under general or spinal anaesthetic and is used when biopsies, botox or bigger treatments are needed.
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Does a cystoscopy hurt?
A flexible cystoscopy is uncomfortable rather than painful — a stinging pressure that lasts a few minutes. Local anaesthetic gel is used. Rigid cystoscopy is done asleep, so you feel nothing during the procedure.
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Is it safe?
Very. The commonest issue is a mild stinging and a little pink in the urine for a day or two. UTI is uncommon, and serious complications like bleeding or bladder perforation are rare and discussed with you on the day.
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When will I get the results?
The urologist tells you what they saw on the day. If a biopsy is taken, histology usually takes 5–7 days, and we make sure it is explained.
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Will my insurance cover it?
Most policies cover cystoscopy when clinically indicated. We confirm cover and pre-authorisation with your insurer before booking.
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Can I drive home afterwards?
After a flexible cystoscopy, yes — most people go straight back to work. After a rigid cystoscopy under general anaesthetic you cannot drive for 24 hours and need someone to take you home.
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When should I call 999?
Call 999 or go to A&E if you develop a temperature, shivers, or heavy bright red bleeding with clots after a cystoscopy. Mild pink urine and stinging is normal — fever and heavy bleeding are not.
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