The treatment of interstitial cystitis with supratrigonal cystectomy and ileocystoplasty: difference in outcome between classic and nonulcer disease

Optimal endoscopic treatment and partial cystectomy with or without bladder augmentation for Hunner-type interstitial cystitis

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) presents a significant challenge for urologists in terms of management, owing to its chronic nature and adverse impact on patient quality of life. Given the potential distinction between two disease entities within IC/BPS, namely Hunner-type IC and BPS without Hunner lesion, there is a need for an optimal therapeutic approach that focuses on the bladder lesions in Hunner-type IC. In cases where Hunner lesions are observed, complete transurethral ablation of these lesions should be prioritized as the initial intervention, as it has demonstrated effectiveness in symptom control. However, recurrence remains a limitation of this intervention. The techniques of resection and coagulation are equally effective in terms of symptom relief and recurrence prevention. Reconstructive surgery becomes necessary in cases of end-stage IC/BPS where various therapeutic approaches have failed. Patient selection is crucial in reconstructive surgery, particularly for patients with clear Hunner lesions and small bladder capacity who have not responded to previous treatments. Furthermore, it is vital to consider the patients' expectations and preferences adequately. Based on a comprehensive review of the literature and our own clinical experiences, subtotal cystectomy followed by bladder augmentation is considered a safe and effective surgical option. This stepwise and tailored therapeutic approach aims to optimize patients' quality of life by specifically targeting Hunner-type IC.

Postsurgery Opiate Use Is Significantly Lower in Patients With Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome Following Cystectomy With Urinary Diversion

OBJECTIVE

To compare pre-and post-operative opiate use in a large cohort of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) patients who underwent cystectomy with urinary diversion (CWUD).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was completed using a database of IC/BPS patients who underwent CWUD at a single institution from 2014 to 2022. In addition to demographic information, bladder capacity and Hunner lesion status were documented for each patient. Opiate use (milligram morphine equivalents [MME]) was calculated for each patient and change in MME (ΔMME) was calculated by subtracting pre-CWUD MME from post-CWUD MME. Paired t test was used to compare ΔMME for all parameters except age, where a Pearson's correlation was used.

RESULTS

The analysis included 82 patients (17 M; 65 F) that underwent CWUD as follows: 53 ileal conduit diversions, 11 neobladders, and 18 Indiana Pouches. Mean pre-CWUD MME use was 4509.57 and mean post-CWUD MME was 1788.48 with a ΔMME of - 2721.09 (P < .001). ΔMME was not significantly different based on gender (P = .597), bladder capacity (P = .754), age (P = .561), or Hunner lesion status (P = .085).

CONCLUSION

IC/BPS patients using opiates primarily for relief of pain directly related to their condition show a significant decrease in opiate use following CWUD, which likely represents significant pain reduction and implicates the bladder as the primary source of that pain.

Cystectomy for Benign Indications

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article evaluates the historical influences, current use, surgical techniques, and recent evidence on outcomes for cystectomy performed for benign indications.

RECENT FINDINGS

At the population level, cystectomy for benign indications has similar perioperative morbidity to radical cystectomy for cancer. Postoperative patient satisfaction is high and functional outcomes appear good, including sexual function. Patient regret about diversion choice is low provided decisions are well informed. Cystectomy is important both as a primary procedure for benign disease and as an adjunct to primary urinary diversion. Early morbidity remains high but long-term results are encouraging. Further studies are needed to guide patient decision-making, to help inform diversion choice, and to understand the long-term impact of surgery and diversion choice on quality of life.

Supratrigonal cystectomy and augmentation cystoplasty with ileum or ileocecum in the treatment of ulcerative interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome: a 14-year follow-up

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

This study analyzes the long-term results of supratrigonal cystectomy and augmentation cystoplasty in patients with severe ulcerative interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) and reduced bladder capacity.

METHODS

Outcome data were retrospectively and prospectively collected and analyzed in women who underwent supratrigonal cystectomy and augmentation cystoplasty for ulcerative IC/BPS at Muenster University Hospital between 1991 and 2006. We used cross-tabulation and Pearson's Chi-squared test to examine how outcome is influenced by age, preoperative functional bladder volume, and choice of augmentation material.

RESULTS

After a median 171-month follow-up, analysis could be done in 26 of 27 patients. Persistent pain necessitated early revision in 2 patients (7.7%). Mean postoperative O'Leary Sant IC Score was 12.7 in the prospectively questioned patients. Responses to Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) were: "very much better" in 15 cases (65.2%) and "much better" in 7 (30.4%). Twelve patients (52.2%) emptied their augmented bladder voluntarily, whereas 7 (32%) needed intermittent self-catheterization (ISC). The rate of patients requiring ISC tended to be lower when detubularized ileocecal bowel was used. All 5 patients (19.2%) with late relapse of ulcerative IC/BPS needed ISC.

CONCLUSIONS

Severe ulcerative IC/BPS can be curatively treated in some patients by supratrigonal cystectomy and augmentation, which is associated with a high satisfaction rate and few long-term complications even over a very long follow-up. In our analysis, the need for ISC is a risk factor for late relapse, although ileocecal augmentation could increase the proportion of patients with sufficient voluntary micturition.

[Interstitial cystitis: interventions and surgery - more than a last resort?]

Interstitial cystitis is an underdiagnosed chronic-relapsing to chronic-progressive urinary bladder disease, whose pathogenesis and aetiology has not been fully elucidated. The disease itself cannot be cured and treatment is symptomatic. Treatment options comprise conservative and medicinal approaches as well as a large number of interventional/surgical procedures. These include intravesical instillation, transurethral procedures such as injections of botulinum toxin A, corticosteroids and local anaesthetics, hydrodistension and neuromodulation as well as (laser) fulguration, resection and cystectomy. Although surgical procedures are considered a late option and are often referred to as last-resort therapy, these interventional options often show good to very good response rates, manageable complications and a favourable risk-benefit evaluation. An overall generalisation of surgery as a last-resort treatment option should therefore be avoided and its use should be discussed based on the individual needs of each patient.

Cystectomy for patients with Hunner-type interstitial cystitis at a tertiary referral center in Japan

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the outcomes of partial and total cystectomy in patients with refractory Hunner-type interstitial cystitis (HIC).

METHODS

Patients with end-stage HIC who underwent supratrigonal partial cystectomy with augmentation ileocystoplasty (PC-CP) or total cystectomy with ileal conduit (TC-IC) were identified retrospectively. Changes in the 11-point numerical rating scale of bladder pain and in 7-grade quality of life (QOL) scores were evaluated. Changes in the O'Leary and Sant's Symptom Index (OSSI) and O'Leary and Sant's Problem Index (OSPI) were analyzed in patients with PC-CP. Peri- and postoperative complications and patient satisfaction with overall outcomes were examined.

RESULTS

Four patients (one female) underwent PC-CP and 13 (nine females) underwent TC-IC. Bladder pain persisted in three PC-CP patients, but resolved completely in all TC-IC patients. Pain scale and QOL scores improved significantly in patients with TC-IC (P < .01), but not in those with PC-CP. OSSI/OSPI scores did not improve significantly in patients with PC-CP. Three PC-CP patients required clean intermittent catheterization due to voiding dysfunction or persistent pain. Two TC-IC patients developed stricture of the ureteroileal anastomosis, resulting in permanent placement of a ureteral stent in one case and nephrostomy in the other. Satisfaction rate was higher in the TC-IC than in the PC-CP group (76.9% vs 25.0%, P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

TC-IC provided reliable pain relief and improved QOL in patients with end-stage HIC, but the small case number and limited methodology restrict interpretation of the results. Further studies are needed to identify appropriate candidates and optimal surgical procedures.

The impact of orthotopic reconstruction on female sexuality and quality of life after radical cystectomy for non-malignant bladder conditions

OBJECTIVE

To review the literature on the impact on female quality of life and sexual function of orthotopic reconstruction after radical cystectomy for non-malignant bladder conditions. Radical cystectomy is commonly required to treat malignant conditions but may also be considered for the treatment of non-malignant diseases. These heterogeneous group of disorders includes interstitial cystitis, painful bladder syndrome, neurogenic bladder, haemorrhagic/ radiation cystitis, endometriosis and refractory genitourinary fistula. Treatment begins with non-invasive medical therapies but, in non-responder cases, a surgical solution should be considered. Such invasive techniques include urinary diversion and reconstructive procedures that have an impact on healthrelated quality of life, physical, social, and mental status.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This narrative review research was done using the PubMed database up until 2020, July. All papers referring to cystectomy for benign indication were considered.

RESULTS

In comparison to other reconstructive options, orthotopic neobladder allows the restoration of a normal self-image and consequently it is the most suitable procedure when a surgical reconstruction is necessary for non-malignant conditions. However, women can face many disorders that impact on everyday life, such as voiding dysfunction or sexual activity problems.

CONCLUSIONS

Scant data is available about quality of life, sexual life and self-perception in women treated by cystectomy for benign conditions and most literature is dedicated to those indicators in cancer patients. More research is needed to understand the tolerability and the quality of life results of the female population affected by benign conditions undergoing this kind of surgical approach.

The surgical options for Hunner’s lesions: an update

Hunner’s lesions, previously described as Hunner’s ulcers, are a component of bladder pain syndrome (BPS), a condition affecting the lower urinary tract, with symptoms of suprapubic pain related to bladder filling, and associated complaints of urgency and frequency. A diagnosis of BPS requires active exclusion of pathology such as constipation, endometriosis, urinary tract infection, bladder stones and pelvic cancer. Women are predisposed to the condition more than men, in a 4:1 ratio. Survey data indicates 2% of women in the USA suffer from BPS. BPS is both physically and emotionally debilitating. In this review, we look at the place of the Hunner’s lesion in BPS and focus on how a lesion might be treated using the available evidence.

What is the Role of Surgery in Bladder Pain Syndrome?

The role of surgery in the management of bladder pain syndrome is unclear; particularly the optimum surgical approach. Treatment refractory patients should be managed in a multi-disciplinary setting including psychological support. Further prospective studies using validated assessments and clear diagnostic criteria would be useful to guide patient selection.

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.

Retubularization of the ileocystoplasty patch for conversion into an ileal conduit

INTRODUCTION

We present the outcomes and long-term follow-up of patients who underwent conversion to an ileal conduit urinary diversion using the retubularized patch from the initial augmentation ileocystoplasty.

METHODS

We reviewed the charts of all patients who underwent this surgery at our centre. The indications for surgery, workup, clinical outcomes and complication rates were assessed. Patient-reported symptom response based on global response assessment (GRA) was determined and used as a subjective measure of overall treatment effectiveness.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients with either bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) (n = 11) or neurogenic bladder (n = 2) were followed for a mean of 80 months. The most common indication for surgical conversion was persistent lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) or bladder pain. Late complications were frequent, typically low-grade, and usually manageable with conservative therapy; the most common were urinary tract infections (n = 6) and parastomal hernias (n = 5). Two patients developed ureteric strictures. Nine of 13 patients required additional surgery to manage complications or persistent symptoms. Only 5 of 11 GRA respondents reported a successful therapeutic outcome and BPS/IC patients who underwent concurrent cystourethrectomy tended to be most satisfied (2/3). Nevertheless, several patients still achieved symptom control when no other treatment options were available to them.

CONCLUSION

Conversion to an ileal conduit using the retubularized ileocystoplasty patch offers several technical and therapeutic advantages over creating a urinary diversion from a new bowel segment. It should therefore be considered a viable treatment option in patients who have exhausted more conservative management of their LUTS.

Pain in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome: do characteristics differ in ulcerative and non-ulcerative subtypes?

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Key differences between interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) subtypes (with and without Hunner's ulcer) have been noted. We hypothesized that pain characteristics in women grouped by IC/BPS subtype would differ.

METHODS

A survey was mailed to 749 women to assess IC/BPS pain and other characteristics. Cystoscopy/hydrodistention reports were reviewed for presence/absence of Hunner's ulcer. The McGill Pain Questionnaire Short Form© (MPQ-SF), Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), and Interstitial Cystitis Symptom and Problem Indices (ICSI-PI) assessed symptoms. Data were analyzed with Pearson's chi-square, Fisher's exact, t tests, and Wilcoxon rank tests.

RESULTS

Of the 214 women that returned a survey (36 ulcerative and 178 non-ulcerative IC/BPS), similar proportions in each group reported that certain foods, exercise, and/or stress triggered symptoms. Fewer ulcerative patients reported pain with vaginal penetration than non-ulcerative (5/33, 15.2 % vs 76/160, 47.5 %; p = 0.0006). On the BPI, the ulcerative and non-ulcerative groups reported similar numbers of painful areas (mean 4.1 ± 6.1 and 4.1 ± 3.8; p = 0.33), and lower abdominal/pelvic pain was reported most (13/35, 37 % vs 79/172, 46 %; p = 0.34) followed by lower back pain (12/35, 34 % vs 69/172, 40 %; p = 0.52). Even though ICSI-PI, MPQ-SF, and BPI scores/responses did not differ, on the MPQ-SF the three words most frequently used by ulcerative patients to describe their pain were sharp, stabbing, and hot burning, and in non-ulcerative were aching, cramping, and tender.

CONCLUSIONS

These measures did not reveal any significant differences in pain between subtypes. More research is needed in larger samples to determine whether differences exist.

The use of radiotherapy in the management of follicular cystitis refractory to conservative and surgical management

Follicular cysitis is a proliferative benign lesion which can act locally malignant. Conservative management is best; however, when this fails, surgical resection is necessary up to and including cystectomy in extreme refractory cases. We present a clinical review and our results using radiation in this disease in a woman facing cystectomy.

Contemporary management of the painful bladder: a systematic review

CONTEXT

Different types of behavioural, dietary, interventional, pharmacologic, and surgical therapies have been used to treat painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis (PBS/IC). Because of the paucity of randomised placebo-controlled studies on different treatments, an evidence-based management approach has not yet been developed.

OBJECTIVE

To critically review and synthesize data from a wide range of current therapeutic approaches to PBS/IC, to quantify the effect size from randomised controlled trials (RCTs), and to reach clinical agreement on the efficacy of treatments for PBS/IC.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We performed a systematic review of the literature to identify articles published between 1990 and September 2010 on the management of PBS/IC. We included articles restricted to the English language published since 1990 to date that reported on oral and intravesical treatment, multimodal or combined treatment, and surgical treatment. For all RCTs, standardised mean differences (SMDs) were extracted and combined in a meta-analysis applying a random-effect model that incorporated the heterogeneity of effects. The four outcomes assessed in all studies were a change in the Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index (ICSI), pain, urgency, and frequency. Non-RCTs (nRCTs) were analysed with a narrative synthesis of the evidence from all research designs.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

We included 7709 adult patients from 29 RCTs and 57 nRCTs. Meta-analysis of RCTs showed that only cyclosporine A provided a simultaneous great effect size of SMD on ICSI, pain, and frequency. Amitriptyline at different dosages showed a great effect size of SMD on pain and urgency or on ICSI and frequency. The remaining RCTs showed sporadic significant changes in only one of the four considered parameters. The attributed levels of evidence for treatments reported in RCTs were 1b; grades of recommendations ranged from A to C. According to the Jadad score, 11 RCTs were high-quality studies. Meta-analysis of RCTs showed a great heterogeneity in the applied methodologies, clinical outcomes assessed, and the obtained results in different studies. The results from the nRCTs showed that the most frequently adopted treatment is oral pentosan polysulfate and that the use of botulinum A toxin intradetrusorial injections in PBS/IC is increasing. A high heterogeneity in drugs and treatment modalities, clinical outcomes, and obtained results was also found for nRCTs.

CONCLUSIONS

Limited evidence exists for the few treatments for PBS/IC. The lack of definitive conclusions is due to the great heterogeneity in methodology, symptoms assessment, duration of treatment, and follow-up in both RCTs and nRCTs.

Idiopathic cystitis in domestic cats--beyond the lower urinary tract

Signs of lower urinary tract (LUT) disease in domestic cats can be acute or chronic, and can result from variable combinations of abnormalities within the lumen of the LUT, the parenchyma of the LUT itself, or other organ system(s) that then lead to LUT dysfunction. In the majority of cats with chronic signs of LUT dysfunction, no specific underlying cause can be confirmed after standard clinical evaluation of the LUT, so these cats typically are classified as having idiopathic cystitis. A syndrome in human beings commonly known as interstitial cystitis (IC) shares many features in common with these cats, permitting comparisons between the two species. A wide range of similarities in abnormalities has been identified between these syndromes outside as well as inside the LUT. A variety of potential familial and developmental risk factors also have been identified. These results have permitted generation of the hypothesis that some of these people have a disorder affecting the LUT rather than a disorder of the LUT. This perspective has suggested alternative diagnostic strategies and novel approaches to treatment, at least in cats. The purpose of this review is to summarize research investigations into the various abnormalities present in cats, to compare some of these findings with those identified in human beings, and to discuss how they might modify perceptions about the etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of cats with this disease. Dedication: I dedicate this contribution to Professor Dennis J. Chew, whose collaboration, patience, and support made it all possible.

Are ulcerative and nonulcerative interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome 2 distinct diseases? A study of coexisting conditions

OBJECTIVES

Coexisting conditions associated with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS) have not been fully explored by IC/PBS subtypes. We compared comorbid diagnoses/symptoms in women with ulcerative (ULC) and nonulcerative (N-ULC) IC/PBS and controls.

METHODS

Adult women with IC/PBS and controls without IC/PBS completed a mailed survey assessing for 21 diagnoses. IC/PBS subtype was determined by hydrodistention reports. Standardized questionnaires assessed IC/PBS symptoms (Interstitial Cystitis Symptom/Problem Indexes [ICSI-PI]) and for undiagnosed fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and depression (Symptom Intensity Score [SIS]; Rome III Functional Bowel Questionnaire; Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale [CES-D]). Data were analyzed using the Pearson chi-square, Fisher exact, Wilcoxon rank test, or Spearman rank correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

Of 178 N-ULC IC/PBS patients, 36 ULC IC/PBS patients, and 425 controls, ULC IC/PBS subjects were older (median 63 years; P < .01) and less employed (P < .01), but groups were similar on other demographic characteristics. N-ULC reported more chronic diagnoses (mean 3.5 ± 2.3) than ULC (2.3 ± 2.0) and controls (1.2 ± 1.5) (P < .01). When N-ULC and ULC IC/PBS patients were compared, more N-ULC IC/PBS patients had fibromyalgia (P = .03), migraines (P = .03), temporomandibular joint disorder (P < .01), and higher CES-D (P = .02) and SIS scores (P = .01). The ULC IC/PBS group voided more frequently during the daytime (P = .03) and nighttime (P < .01) and had smaller mean bladder capacity than N-ULC (P < .01). No significant differences were seen between N-ULC and ULC IC/PBS patients on the ICSI-PI and Rome III.

CONCLUSIONS

Notable differences in the number of comorbid diagnoses and symptoms were seen between IC/PBS subtypes and controls. Subtypes should continue to be evaluated individually to ascertain other similarities and differences.

[Specific treatments for painful bladder syndrome]

INTRODUCTION

Painful bladder syndrome is defined as chronic pelvic pain present for more than 6 months, causing discomfort perceived as being related to the bladder and accompanied by a persistent and strong urge to urinate or urinary frequency. The purpose of this article is to review the treatment of painful bladder syndrome.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A comprehensive review of the literature was performed by searching PUBMED for articles on specific treatments for painful bladder syndrome.

RESULTS

Many treatments have been proposed for the management of painful bladder syndrome: local intravesical treatments (glucosaminoglycan [pentosan polysulfate], dimethylsulfoxide [DMSO], heparin, bacillus Calmette-Guérin [BCG], anticholinergic agents [oxybutynin, etc.] or oral treatments [glucosaminoglycan (pentosan polysulfate), antihistamines, antidepressants, immunosuppressives, etc.]) with an action on the pathophysiology of this syndrome. The efficacy of these various treatments has been limited, with trials based on small numbers of patients and not always conducted according to a randomized, prospective design. Other salvage treatments (neuromodulation, botulinum toxin, surgery, etc.) have also been reported with limited efficacy, but allowing salvage of treatment failures.

CONCLUSION

The therapeutic management of painful bladder syndrome is complex. The large number of proposed treatment modalities present a limited efficacy with discordant results from one study to another making comparisons and analyses difficult.

Does mast cell density predict the outcome after transurethral resection of Hunner's lesions in patients with type 3C bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis?

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess mast cell density in the lamina propria for possible correlation with duration of symptom amelioration after transurethral resection of the bladder (TURB).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twelve patients (eight women and four men) referred to the tertiary referral facility, treated between June 2003 and June 2009, were included in the study. All had undergone three consecutive complete TURB procedures, where the first one was also diagnostic. All patients fulfilled the NIH-NIDDK criteria and the ESSIC bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis type 3C criteria; they had Hunner's lesions and biopsy findings with inflammatory infiltrates, granulation tissue and mastocytosis. Bladder biopsies were evaluated for mast cell density by immunochemistry and symptom amelioration was recorded by self-report of symptom relapse.

RESULTS

Median mast cell density in the lamina propria at the first, second and third TURB was high. No statistically significant correlation between mast cell density in the urothelium, lamina propria or detrusor, and duration of symptom amelioration could be seen after the first, second or third TURB.

CONCLUSION

Mast cell density does not appear to correlate with duration of symptom amelioration after complete transurethral resection of Hunner's lesions, either in the lamina propria or in the urothelium or detrusor.

Interstitial cystitis: an unsolved enigma

Painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis (PBS/IC) is a chronic disease of unknown etiology characterized by vague bladder pain and nonspecific urinary symptoms, such as urgency and frequency. Although it was initially considered to be a rare condition, its prevalence has significantly increased, possibly because of different definitions used and greater physician awareness. Because of the multiple diagnostic criteria used, there is significant variation in its prevalence. In addition, there is often a delay in the diagnosis of PBS/IC. It affects predominantly women of middle age, and it significantly decreases quality of life. Diagnosis of PBS/IC is mainly a diagnosis of exclusion; there are no characteristic symptoms or pathognomonic findings. Therefore, it is important to rule out diseases that have a similar clinical picture (i.e., urinary infections, bladder carcinoma) but definite therapies and worse prognosis if left untreated. PBS/IC management suffers from lack of evidence; many therapies are empiric or based on small studies and case series. Treatment includes supportive therapies (psychosocial, behavioral, physical), oral treatments, and intravesical treatments, whereas other more invasive treatments such as electric neuromodulation and reconstructive surgery are reserved for refractory cases. Physicians should always keep in mind the diagnosis of PBS/IC in patients presenting with chronic urinary symptoms after excluding other more common diseases.

Functional and chronic anorectal and pelvic pain disorders

Several organic and functional disorders of the urinary bladder, reproductive tract, anorectum, and the pelvic floor musculature cause pelvic pain. This article describes functional disorders in which chronic pelvic and anorectal pain cannot be explained by a structural or other specified pathology. Currently, these functional disorders are classified into urogynecologic conditions or cystitis and painful bladder syndrome, anorectal disorders, and the levator ani syndrome. Although nomenclature suggests that these conditions are distinct, there is considerable overlap of their symptoms and these disorders have much in common.

Bladder substitution by ileal neobladder for women with interstitial cystitis

OBJECTIVE

To report our experience with cystectomy and ileal neobladder for women with interstitial cystitis (IC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-five female patients treated during 2000-2005 with the mean age of 45.9 +/- 4.4 years were included in this study. All of them had experience suprapubic pain with irritative voiding symptoms and were diagnosed as having IC based on NIDDK criteria for at least 2 years. Conservative treatments had failed to relieve their symptoms; and therefore all of them agreed to undergo a bladder removal. For cystectomy, the urethra was cut 0.5 cm below the bladder neck, proximal to the pubourethral ligament, leaving the endopelvic fascia intact. An ileal segment of 65 cm was used to create the neobladder with the Studer's technique.

RESULTS

All patients presented good treatment outcome with regard to both diurnal and nocturnal urinary control without any pain. Quality of life using the SF-36 questionnaire showed significant improvement of both physical health and mental health. Spontaneous voiding with minimal residual urine was found in 33 cases (94.3%), and the remaining 2 cases (5.7%) had spontaneous voiding with residual urine and were placed on clean intermittent catheterization (CIC). Twelve out of 30 cases with sexually active ability had a mild degree of dyspareunia but without disturbance to sexual life.

CONCLUSION

Bladder substitution by ileal neobladder for women who suffer from IC can be a satisfactory option after failure of conservative treatment. Resection of the urethra distal to the bladder neck can preserve continence and allow spontaneous voiding in almost all patients.

Sensory bladder disorders

Sensory bladder disorders include disorders involving abnormal sensations resulting from many diseases of the urinary bladder. In a proportion of patients no cause can be found and if pain or pelvic pressure is a part of the symptomatology, they are labelled as having painful bladder syndrome (PBS). In a subgroup of these patients abnormal findings can be demonstrated at cystoscopy and/or by histological examination of bladder biopsies. These patients are categorised as having interstitial cystitis (IC). This paper looks into the differential diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of patients with PBS.

Surgical treatment of painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis

Painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis is a disabling disease of the urinary bladder that mainly affects women. It is of unknown etiology and can appear in all age groups. The main symptoms - bladder pain and urinary frequency - may completely govern the life of the unlucky person suffering from the disease. Treatment includes diet, behavioral modifications, medical treatments, inclusive specific-pain treatment and surgery, but it is unfortunately often insufficient. The disease is rare and lacks a specific definition as well as proper diagnostic criteria. Surgical treatments include neuromodulation, transurethral surgery, bladder augmentation and urinary diversion with or without cystectomy. This article examines the documentation, or lack of, for the often drastic surgical procedures performed to improve quality of life in patients with this disorder.

COMORBIDITY OF INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS WITH OTHER UNEXPLAINED CLINICAL CONDITIONS

PURPOSE

The aims of this review are 1) to consider the hypothesis that interstitial cystitis (IC) is not a single disease entity in all patients by reviewing the evidence for the presence of IC subtypes and for the comorbidity of various unexplained clinical conditions in some patients with IC, and 2) to describe recent results obtained in humans and in cats with severe feline IC (FIC) that suggest the presence of an underlying neuroendocrine abnormality.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The IC literature concerning comorbidity with other disorders was reviewed and these findings were compared with those of investigators studying the comorbid disorders and comparable data on cats with FIC.

RESULTS

A significant overlap of symptoms exists among a number of unexplained clinical conditions and a common stress response pattern of increased sympathetic nervous system function in the absence of comparable activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis occurs in a subset of patients with many of these conditions. A comparable pattern exists in cats with FIC, which also includes increased corticotropin releasing factor activity and decreased adrenocortical reserve.

CONCLUSIONS

Further investigation of the stress response system of patients with IC seems merited, which may provide novel approaches to therapy in some patients.

URINARY CONDUIT FORMATION USING A RETUBULARIZED BOWEL FROM CONTINENT URINARY DIVERSION OR INTESTINAL AUGMENTATIONS: II. DOES IT HAVE A ROLE IN PATIENTS WITH INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS?

PURPOSE

Interstitial cystitis (IC) may require surgical treatment in a minority of patients in whom conservative treatment failed. This treatment includes enterocystoplasty (ECP), or continent or incontinent urinary diversion with or without cystourethrectomy. Patients with IC who underwent ECP or continent urinary diversion (CUD) occasionally have recurrent pain in the augmented bladder or continent pouch. In these patients a new ileal conduit is frequently constructed. Using part of the continent urinary diversion or bladder augmentation patch to make the ileal conduit has been reported. However, there may be some concern with performing the procedure in patients with IC because of the theoretical risk of continued pain in the converted ileal segment. We evaluated the role of conduit formation using retubularized bowel from ECP or CUD in patients with IC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 11 patients with a mean age of 45 years underwent conduit formation using the augmentation patch of ECP or part of the continent urinary reservoir. Patients were followed by history, physical examination, laboratory tests and urography.

RESULTS

Followup was 20 to 80 months. One patient continued to have pelvic pain. None of the patients had residual pain in the conduit. One patient had intermittent pain in the conduit 32 months after conversion. Two patients had ureteral obstruction requiring ureteral reimplantation revision. No patient complained of new gastrointestinal problems.

CONCLUSIONS

Retubularization of a previously used bowel segment from ECP or CUD to form a urinary conduit seems to be an acceptable alternative in patients with IC.

Intravesicular pain mapping

The lack of success with the physician-only approach to bladder pain and interstitial cystitis demonstrates the need for a fresh new method. Such an approach, in which the patient becomes an integral part of the operating team, verifying that the operative findings are the source of the pain and that treatment of these areas will lead to the resolution of the pain, needs to be examined further.

Sacral neuromodulation: new applications in the treatment of female pelvic floor dysfunction

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The first sacral nerve stimulators implanted by Tanagho and Schmidt (1981) were performed for the indications of urinary urge incontinence, urgency-frequency, and nonobstructive urinary retention. Since that time, observations have been made for benefits beyond voiding disorders. These additional benefits have included re-establishment of pelvic floor muscle awareness, resolution of pelvic floor muscle tension and pain, decrease in vestibulitis and vulvadynia, decrease in bladder pain (interstitial cystitis), and normalization of bowel function.

RECENT FINDINGS

Therapy for fecal incontinence in patients with a structurally intact sphincter mechanism appears to be very promising. Investigators agree that there is a role for sacral nerve stimulation in patients with urge fecal incontinence that have failed conservative efforts. Objective manovolumetric testing shows an increase in resting pressure, an increase in voluntary contraction pressure, a decrease in rectal volumes which cause first urge, a decrease in rectal volume to initiate first urge to defecate, and an increase in duration of maximum squeeze pressure. Intractable interstitial cystitis is defined as patients that have failed conventional therapy. Historically, the only option remaining was extirpative surgery or diversion. Maher et al. reported on patients with intractable interstitial cystitis who had undergone sacral nerve stimulation. They found that 73% of these patients had a reduction in pelvic pain, daytime frequency, nocturnal urgency and an increase in average voided volumes. The final area of interest concerns refractory pelvic pain. Siegal et al. reported a decrease in severity, number of hours of pain, and improved quality of life measures in patients who underwent transforamenal sacral nerve stimulations. These patients had all failed conventional pain therapy.

SUMMARY

While the data are encouraging in these new arenas of pelvic floor disorders, investigators acknowledge the need for multicenter, statistically powered studies to evaluate the validity of these findings.