Surgical management of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome

Abstract

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a chronic condition associated with urinary urgency, frequency, and pelvic pain or discomfort. A wide range of treatment options exist; however, none are uniformly effective. Severe and refractory cases may fail conservative measures and intravesical therapy. In this chapter, we will review the treatment options for those patients requiring endoscopic and surgical management of IC/BPS. Endoscopic options include Hunner lesion resection, fulguration, laser ablation, steroid injection, botulinum toxin injection, and bladder wall incision. Although not specifically approved for the treatment of IC/BPS, sacral neuromodulation may be considered for those patients who fail more conservative measures. Surgical reconstruction is a last measure option where patient selection is of paramount importance.