Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is an enigmatic disease that is difficult to treat. Even among physicians, the prevalent belief is that patients do not improve over time. In this study, we retrospectively reviewed our experience and treatment results for patients diagnosed with IC/BPS at our clinic in India over the past 20 years. Materials and Methods: Three hundred and eighty IC/BPS patients diagnosed between January 2001 and December 2020 were included. Patients underwent cystoscopy and hydrodistension and were treated with oral drugs, intravesical instillations, and surgery as needed. From January 2021 to June 2021, all patients were contacted by telephone.
Results:The study had 380 participants, but only 231 could be contacted for analysis. Follow-up averaged 6.37 years and the median was 14 years. Eighteen percent showed no improvement, 2% showed a slight improvement on Global Response Assessment (GRA) questionnaire and were considered nonresponders (NR). Yet, 67% reported notable improvements, and 13% moderate improvements, all of which make up 80% responders (R). In 11 patients who were operated on for ileocystoplasty, 9 showed significant improvements. In addition, three patients developed Urothelial Malignancy. Pregnancy did not affect the disease in any way.Conclusions: Long-term results have been encouraging for IC/BPS patients.Unfortunately, Hunner's lesions patients need a more intensive treatment regimen. Re-evaluation with cystoscopy is recommended in NR. In spite of good results of surgery in our series, it is best to perform surgery only as a last resort.bladder pain syndrome, interstitial cystitis, intravesical instillation, treatment outcome
| INTRODUCTIONInterstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a neglected, debilitating, chronic, and inflammatory disorder of the urinary bladder characterized by variable degrees of bladder pain, frequency, and urinary urgency. 1 The disease is not adequately understood by many physicians and is difficult to diagnose and difficult to treat. Over the past 30 years, the global efforts of many dedicated urologists, backed by patient organizations from many countries, have led to a tremendous increase in awareness among physicians and patients. Most physicians now accept