Hydrodistension under local anesthesia for patients with suspected painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis: safety, diagnostic potential and therapeutic efficacy

Role of cystoscopy as primary initial investigation in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome

INTRODUCTION

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a chronic painful bladder condition characterized by pelvic pain and urinary symptoms without another identifiable cause. Cystoscopy as primary initial investigation for IC/BPS has not been accepted yet and needs more studies to definitely conclude.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

We aimed to assess cystoscopy findings in patients of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome and to prove role of cystoscopy as primary initial investigation for interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Our prospective observational study included 35 female patients aged 18-69 years presenting to the Urology OPD at SMS Hospital with suprapubic or pelvic pain for 6 months, bladder pain that worsens with bladder filling and reduced with voiding, dysuria, urinary frequency and urgency, nocturia, dyspareunia. Those with history of bladder capacity more than 350 ml, duration of symptoms less than 6 months, day time frequency less than eight times per day, diagnosis of bacterial cystitis or prostatitis, bladder or ureteral calculi, active genital herpes, any existing urological malignancy, radiation cystitis were excluded from the study. They were then subject to cystoscopy and the findings of the cystoscopy were analyzed.

RESULTS

Out of the 35 patients, 11 (31.43%) had a normal cystoscopy. Of the 24 patients (68.57%) who had a positive cystoscopy, cystoscopy in seven patients (20.0%) revealed an ulcer. All these seven patients underwent fulguration. In the remaining 17 patients the abnormal findings were petechiae, large submucosal bleed. The sensitivity of cystoscopy in detecting the ulcerative type of Interstitial cystitis was found to be 20.0%.

CONCLUSION

Our study found that Cystoscopy, if employed in initial investigation can help early detection of ulcerative variety of IC/BPS and can act as therapeutic modality by using fulguration plus hydrodistension. Larger comparative studies are needed for diagnostic/Therapeutic value of cystoscopy.

Diagnostic and therapeutic cystoscopy in bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis: systematic review of literature and consensus on methodology

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Cystoscopy has been routinely performed in patients suspected to be suffering from bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) across the globe. The methodology reported by various guidelines appears to have differences in the techniques and hence there is a need for a review of all those techniques in order to arrive at a consensus. The aim was to review the literature describing the prevalent techniques of cystoscopy for patients of BPS/IC and try to evolve a consensus.

METHODS

The group the Global Interstitial Cystitis, Bladder Pain Society (GIBS) has worked collectively to systematically review the literature using the key words, "Cystoscopy in Hunner's lesions, bladder pain syndrome, painful bladder syndrome and interstitial cystitis" in the PubMed, COCHRANE, and SCOPUS databases. A total of 3,857 abstracts were studied and 96 articles referring to some part of technique of cystoscopy were short-listed for review as full-length articles. Finally, six articles with a description of a technique of cystoscopy were included for final tabulation and comparison. The group went on to arrive at a consensus for a stepwise technique of diagnostic and therapeutic cystoscopy in cases of BPS/IC. This technique has been compared with the previously described techniques and may serve to be a useful practical guide for treating physicians.

CONCLUSION

It is important to have a uniform standardized technique for performing a diagnostic and therapeutic cystoscopy in patients with BPS/IC. Consensus on one such a technique has been arrived at and described in the present article.

Painful Bladder Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis and High Tone Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

This article provides an overview of 2 conditions that defy straightforward characterization and treatment: interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome often coexists with high tone pelvic floor dysfunction. These conditions are common in gynecologic patients who present with chronic pelvic pain and are often misdiagnosed due to their syndromic nature and amorphous definitions. Clinicians should maintain a high level of suspicion for these processes in patients with chronic pelvic pain or recurrent urinary tract infection symptoms. Optimal treatment uses a multimodal approach to alleviate symptoms.

N-acetylcysteine prevents bladder tissue fibrosis in a lipopolysaccharide-induced cystitis rat model

Therapeutic options for non-Hunner type interstitial cystitis (IC), which is histologically characterized by fibrosis and mast cell infiltration, are limited. We developed a rat model that replicates chronic inflammation and fibrosis and evaluated the therapeutic effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a well-known anti-fibrotic agent, on the model. Intravesical instillation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 750 μg) after protamine sulfate (10 mg) was conducted twice per week for five consecutive weeks. One week after final instillation, 200 mg/kg NAC (n = 10, IC + NAC group) or phosphate-buffered saline (n = 10, IC group) was daily injected intraperitoneally once daily for 5 days. LPS instillation induced bladder fibrosis, mast cell infiltration, and apoptotic tissue damage. Functionally, LPS insult led to irregular micturition, decreased inter-contraction intervals, and decreased micturition volume. NAC significantly improved most of the voiding parameters and reversed histological damages including fibrosis. NAC inhibited the induction and nuclear localization of phospho-Smad2 protein in bladder tissues and the upregulation of genes related to fibrosis, such as Tgfb2, Tgfb3, Smad2, Smad3, Cxcl10, and Card10. This is the first study to demonstrate the beneficial effects on NAC in restoring voiding function, relieving tissue fibrosis and related bladder injuries, in the LPS-induced cystitis rat model.

Cystoscopic evaluation and clinical phenotyping in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome

Herein, we aimed to review, report, and discuss the role of cystoscopy and clinical phenotyping in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). For this purpose; a comprehensive nonsystematic review of the relevant literature was conducted. We reviewed articles published in English and indexed in the PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar databases. Original manuscripts, review articles, case series, and case reports were taken into consideration. Data regarding the indications for, technique, and possible findings of cystoscopy with hydrodistension (HD) and biopsy, as well as clinical implications of cystoscopic information and the concept and use of clinical phenotyping within the context of IC/ BPS were extracted and discussed. IC/BPS is diagnosed based on symptomatic assessment and exclusion of confusable diseases. There is no universal agreement upon the evaluation and diagnostic algorithm of IC/BPS. The majority of the guidelines recommend cystoscopy with HD and biopsy as a diagnostic prerequisite. Various different techniques have been described for cystoscopy with HD. General or epidural anesthesia is more commonly preferred and advocated while assessing endoscopic alterations in patients suspected of having IC/BPS. Cystoscopy with HD and biopsy enables more objective exclusion of confusable diseases. It also provides the basis of the European Society for the Study of Interstitial Cystitis classification. Patients with IC/BPS who demonstrate positive cystoscopic (glomerulations and/or Hunner lesion) and histologic findings have a more severe symptomatology and may benefit from lesion-targeted endoscopic treatments. Clinical phenotyping has been implemented for IC/BPS and may be used for individualized assessment and treatment.

A systematic review of the literature on cystodistension in bladder pain syndrome

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

There is significant variability in technique for cystodistension and an international discrepancy in the role in its treatment of bladder pain syndrome (BPS). The authors evaluate the evidence base for the use of cystodistension for BPS with particular reference to patient-related outcomes.

METHODS

In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis statement, a prospective search and evaluation protocol was prepared and registered with the PROSPERO database (ID CRD42017053710). A review of the literature was performed using the search terms cystodistension and hydrodistension of the bladder using the PubMed database on 6 October 2016.

RESULTS

A total of 59 papers were reviewed, but only 17 studies contained original data available for analysis from 1975 to 2016. Ten studies evaluated the outcome of cystodistension in a single arm design or used cystodistension as the control for evaluating adjunctive treatments. Seven studies evaluated cystodistension in combination with other agents or therapies. The best symptomatic responses reported a subjective improvement in 56% of men with moderate to severe prostatitis and 57% in patients with "inflammatory cystitis" respectively. There were no studies that employed a validated outcome measure, neither a questionnaire nor an analogue scale, to assess the effect of cystodistension alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Cystodistension is increasingly popular, despite a weak evidence base by current standards. The quality of available evidence falls below the level that would be expected of a new intervention. This review highlights the need for cystodistension to be further investigated with randomised control trials.

Anorectal and Pelvic Pain

Although pelvic pain is a symptom of several structural anorectal and pelvic disorders (eg, anal fissure, endometriosis, and pelvic inflammatory disease), this comprehensive review will focus on the 3 most common nonstructural, or functional, disorders associated with pelvic pain: functional anorectal pain (ie, levator ani syndrome, unspecified anorectal pain, and proctalgia fugax), interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome, and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. The first 2 conditions occur in both sexes, while the latter occurs only in men. They are defined by symptoms, supplemented with levator tenderness (levator ani syndrome) and bladder mucosal inflammation (interstitial cystitis). Although distinct, these conditions share several similarities, including associations with dysfunctional voiding or defecation, comorbid conditions (eg, fibromyalgia, depression), impaired quality of life, and increased health care utilization. Several factors, including pelvic floor muscle tension, peripheral inflammation, peripheral and central sensitization, and psychosocial factors, have been implicated in the pathogenesis. The management is tailored to symptoms, is partly supported by clinical trials, and includes multidisciplinary approaches such as lifestyle modifications and pharmacological, behavioral, and physical therapy. Opioids should be avoided, and surgical treatment has a limited role, primarily in refractory interstitial cystitis.

Current guidelines in the management of interstitial cystitis

Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a heterogeneous chronic disease of unknown etiology that impacts a very large number of women. Symptoms are highly variable: patients may suffer from pelvic pain that is exacerbated by bladder filling, and can be associated with a variety of lower urinary tract symptoms including frequency and urgency. Given the varying presentations and severities of corresponding treatment must be tailored to each specific patient. Current American Urological Association (AUA) guidelines separate the IC treatment recommendations into six tiers of increasing invasive therapies. These treatment guidelines begin with education and lifestyle modifications and progress through levels of physical, pharmacological, and ultimately surgical therapies for those that fail the less invasive therapies. The purpose of this review is to outline the recommendations for the treatment of IC and the evidence from which these recommendations arise. Furthermore, we examine the most up to date literature so that we may recognize future directions in the treatment of IC.

Role of cystoscopy and hydrodistention in the diagnosis of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome

There are controversies about whether cystoscopy with or without hydrodistention (HD) plays a role in the diagnosis and treatment of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). We reviewed the recommendations of various societies and associations of greater impact in this complex disease, analyzing the indications, technique, findings and complications of this procedure.

Anesthetic Bladder Hydrodistention Is Superior to Superior Hypogastric Plexus Neurolysis in Treatment of Interstitial Cystitis-bladder Pain Syndrome: A Prospective Randomized Trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate efficacy and safety of superior hypogastric plexus neurolysis (SHN) for treatment of interstitial cystitis (IC)-bladder pain syndrome (BPS) in comparison with bladder hydrodistention (HD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a prospective study, 24 female patients were randomly allocated to receive either SHN or HD. Patients were evaluated by recording the O'Leary-Sant IC symptom indices, IC problem indices, pain visual analog scale (VAS), number of daytime frequency, and nocturia. Pressure flow study was conducted for all patients. Intraoperative and postoperative changes and adverse events were recorded.

RESULTS

Basal IC symptom indices, IC problem indices, and VAS scores were comparable between both groups (P = .31, .63, and .94, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference between both groups with respect to urodynamic parameters. Only pain VAS at first week was improved in SHN in comparison with HD (P = .012). Thereafter, all parameters were significantly improved in favor of the HD group at 2- and 4-week visits. Adverse events in both groups were ranked as Grade 1 Clavien-Dindo classification including transient hematuria in the HD group and transient back ache in the SHN group.

CONCLUSION

Despite effective pain control in cases with IC-BPS after SHN, it lacks durability. It seems that SHN in its current form is not to be a suitable line of treatment for IC-BPS. Multimodality treatment would be needed for proper control of patients' symptoms.

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome: diagnosis and management

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The bladder pain syndrome (BPS) is a spectrum of urological symptoms characterised by bladder pain with typical cystoscopic features. Diagnosis and management of this syndrome may be difficult. There is no evidence-based management approach for the diagnosis or treatment of BPS. The objective of this study was to critically review and summarise the evidence relating to the diagnosis and treatment of the bladder pain syndrome.

METHODS

A review of published data on the diagnosis and treatment of the BPS was performed. Our search was limited to English-language articles, on the "diagnosis", and "management" or "treatment" of "interstitial cystitis" and the "bladder pain syndrome" in "humans."

RESULTS

Frequency, urgency and pain on bladder filling are the most common symptoms of BPS. All urodynamic volumes are reduced in patients with BPS. Associated conditions include psychological distress, depression, history of sexual assault, irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia. Cystoscopy remains the test for definitive diagnosis, with visualisation of haemorrhage on cystoreduction. A multidisciplinary treatment approach is essential in the management of this condition. Orally administered amitriptyline is an efficacious medical treatment for BPS. Intravesical hyaluronic acid and local anaesthetic, with/without hydrodistension are among new treatment strategies. Sacral or pudendal neuromodulation is effective, minimally invasive and safe. Surgery is reserved for refractory cases.

CONCLUSIONS

There remains a paucity of evidence for the diagnosis and treatment of BPS. We encountered significant heterogeneity in the assessment of symptoms, duration of treatment and follow up of patients in our literature review.

Local anesthesia and hydro-distension to facilitate cystic calculus removal in horses

OBJECTIVE

To report a technique for improving surgical access to the bladder for removal of cystic calculi in male horses.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

ANIMALS OR SAMPLE POPULATION

Geldings (8) with cystic calculi.

METHODS

After catheterization of the bladder through the penis, 100 mL 2% lidocaine hydrochloride solution was instilled. After 10 minutes, the bladder was distended with sterile, warmed Hartmann's solution to a pressure of ≈ 40 cm H(2) O, using gravity feed. This was left in place until abdominal access was gained at surgery, then the fluid siphoned off via the catheter.

RESULTS

Calculi were 3-11 cm in diameter (median, 6 cm). Bladder capacity ranged from 1.4 to 2.5 L (median, 1.8 L). Exteriorization time from placing a hand in the abdomen to having the bladder in a surgically accessible position was <5 minutes.

CONCLUSION

The described technique facilitates exteriorization of the bladder for removal of cystic calculi.