“I keep getting up at night to pee”
Waking more than once a night to pass urine is common as we get older, and is often linked to the prostate or bladder.
When to book: when it is disturbing your sleep or getting worse.
Urology services at Santis
Care that starts with a conversation, not a procedure
Whether you have noticed a change, been told your PSA is raised, or simply want reassurance, your first step is an unhurried consultation with a Santis consultant urological surgeon. We listen, explain what might be going on, and only suggest tests or treatment when they will genuinely help.
Your first appointment
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A 30-minute meeting with a consultant urological surgeon, never a junior stand-in.
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Time to talk through your symptoms, any results you already have, and your options.
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A clear plan before you leave, with follow-ups in person or by telephone.
Symptoms and worries we can help with
Many people wait months before mentioning these, often out of embarrassment. There is no need: these are everyday conversations for our consultants, and most have straightforward explanations.
“My GP says my PSA is raised”
A raised PSA blood test does not mean cancer. It can rise for many reasons, and a consultant can explain what yours means.
When to book: soon after your result, so you are not left wondering.
“I’ve noticed blood in my urine”
Even a single episode, with or without pain, should always be checked. Often the cause is minor, but it deserves a proper look.
When to book: promptly, even if it has stopped.
“My flow is weaker than it used to be”
A slow stream, straining, dribbling or feeling you have not quite emptied your bladder are often signs of an enlarged prostate.
When to book: when it is changing your daily routine.
“I’m worried about my prostate”
Perhaps a relative has had prostate cancer, or you would just like a check. A consultation is a calm place to ask questions.
When to book: whenever the worry is on your mind.
“I need to go urgently, and often”
Sudden urges, going very frequently or leaking on the way to the toilet can usually be improved once the cause is clear.
When to book: when you are planning your day around toilets.
If you cannot pass urine at all, or have severe pain or a high temperature, please do not wait for an appointment. Call NHS 111 or go to your nearest A&E.
Our services
Most people only ever need a consultation, a blood test and a follow-up. When more is needed, the same consultant guides you through diagnostics and, if it is right for you, treatment.
Consultations and follow-ups
Initial consultation
A 30-minute meeting with a Santis consultant to talk through your symptoms, discuss any test results and go over your treatment options. You leave knowing what happens next.
Follow-up consultation
A face-to-face appointment to review how you are getting on, go through results together, or check progress after treatment. After a biopsy or surgery, this is where your consultant explains your histology (tissue) results.
Telephone follow-up
When a result is straightforward or you simply need a check-in, your consultant can call you instead. It saves a journey and the conversation is just as thorough.
Blood tests
Blood tests such as a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test, arranged as part of your assessment. Your consultant explains what is being checked and why, then goes through the results with you.
Tests and diagnostics
Transperineal prostate biopsy
Small samples of prostate tissue are taken through the skin behind the scrotum, rather than through the back passage, to check for cancer. Usually recommended after a raised PSA or a scan.
Flexible cystoscopy
A thin, bendable camera is gently passed into the bladder to look at its lining. It is a quick outpatient test, often used to investigate blood in the urine.
SelectMDX urine test
A urine test that can be offered with your initial consultation. It helps estimate the likelihood of significant prostate cancer and can inform whether a biopsy is needed.
Treatment and surgery
Robotic assisted radical prostatectomy
Keyhole removal of the prostate using a surgical robot, for men with prostate cancer where surgery is the right choice. The operation includes reconstruction of the bladder neck, removal of lymph nodes on both sides of the pelvis, and a cystoscopy.
Before surgery you have a pre-assessment consultation to check you are ready and answer any last questions. Afterwards, your follow-up appointment goes through your histology results.
Pre-assessment consultation
A check of your general health before a procedure, so the day itself runs smoothly and safely.
Bladder instillation
Medicine placed directly into the bladder through a fine tube, used to treat some bladder conditions.
Not sure which appointment you need? Book an initial consultation and your consultant will guide you from there.
Book an initial consultationWhat to expect, step by step
From your first call to your follow-up, you see the same consultant and always know what comes next.
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Book your appointment
Book online or by phone at a time and hospital that suits you. If you are insured, have your policy details handy.
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Meet your consultant
A 30-minute initial consultation to listen to what is worrying you, ask about your health and explain the possible causes in plain language.
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Tests, only if they help
Often a blood test such as a PSA is enough. Sometimes a urine test, cystoscopy or biopsy is suggested, always with the reasons explained first.
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Follow-up, in person or by phone
Your consultant goes through your results with you, face to face or in a telephone follow-up, whichever you prefer.
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Agree the next steps together
That might be reassurance and nothing more, simple treatment, monitoring, or planning surgery. You decide, with time to think and ask questions.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
If you are using health insurance, your insurer will usually ask for a GP referral and give you an authorisation number before your first appointment. If you are paying for yourself, get in touch and we will let you know what is needed. A GP letter is always helpful, as it tells your consultant about your history.
Can I use my insurance, or pay for myself?
Both. We see insured and self-paying patients. If you pay for robotic prostatectomy yourself, the follow-up appointment to go through your histology results is included in the price.
Can my follow-up be over the phone?
Yes, in many cases. Telephone follow-ups work well for discussing straightforward results or checking how you are getting on. If your consultant needs to examine you, they will suggest seeing you in person.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
- A list of any medicines you take, including over-the-counter ones
- Any recent test results, such as a PSA blood test or scan reports
- Your GP referral letter, if you have one
- Your insurer’s authorisation number, if you are insured
- A note of your questions, so nothing gets forgotten
Where will I be seen, and by whom?
You are always seen by a consultant urological surgeon, at one of our partner hospitals and clinics or remotely when that suits you. See where we consult or meet our consultants.
Ready to talk it through?
Book a consultation online in a few minutes, or give us a call and we will find a time and place that suits you.