UROLOGY · CONDITIONS
Interstitial Cystitis
Chronic bladder pain syndrome causing persistent pelvic pain, urgency, and frequency without any identifiable infection , a complex condition requiring multimodal management.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Interstitial Cystitis?
Interstitial cystitis / painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS) is characterised by chronic pelvic pain, urgency, frequency, and bladder discomfort in the absence of infection or other identifiable pathology. It is frequently misdiagnosed as recurrent UTI and undertreated for years. It significantly impacts quality of life and requires a structured, patient-centred management plan. Dr. Vipin provides systematic evaluation , excluding infection, cancer, and endometriosis , followed by a graded multimodal treatment plan including cystoscopy and hydrodistension, intravesical instillations, dietary modification, and neuromodulation for refractory cases.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Defective bladder glycosaminoglycan (GAG) layer
- Mast cell activation in the bladder wall
- Neurogenic upregulation of bladder afferent fibres
- Autoimmune or inflammatory aetiology
- Hunner's ulcers , in a minority of IC patients
- No single identified cause , multifactorial
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Diagnosis by exclusion , infection, cancer, and endometriosis ruled out first.
Cystoscopy and hydrodistension confirms diagnosis and provides 3–6 months of relief.
Intravesical lidocaine, heparin, or hyaluronic acid reduce symptoms over a course of treatments.
Eliminating bladder irritants (caffeine, citrus, spicy food, alcohol) reduces symptom flares.
Sacral nerve stimulation (InterStim) for refractory IC not responding to other treatments.
Urinary diversion is a last resort for severe, truly refractory IC/PBS , rarely required.
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Hydrodistension of Bladder (under GA)
The bladder is distended with fluid under general anaesthesia , providing both diagnostic information (Hunner's lesions, glomerulations) and therapeutic benefit lasting weeks to months.
- 1
Rule Out Other Causes
Urine culture, cytology, cystoscopy, and pelvic imaging exclude infection, cancer, and endometriosis before IC/PBS is confirmed.
- 2
Cystoscopy & Hydrodistension
Performed under general anaesthesia , identifies Hunner's lesions and provides 3–6 months of symptomatic relief in most patients.
- 3
Intravesical Instillations
A course of 6 intravesical instillations (lidocaine heparin or hyaluronic acid) is given weekly to protect and restore the bladder lining.
- 4
Multimodal Management
Dietary elimination of triggers, amitriptyline, pentosan polysulfate, and pelvic floor physiotherapy combined based on individual symptom pattern.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Hydrodistension of Bladder (under GA)
Bladder distension under anaesthesia , diagnostic and therapeutic; Hunner's lesions fulguratedif present.
Augmentation Cystoplasty (Ileocystoplasty)
Intestinal segment incorporated into the bladder to increase capacity and reduce pain in severe contracted IC , reserved for refractory cases.
Urinary Diversion (Ileal Conduit)
Last-resort urinary diversion with or without cystectomy for truly intractable IC/PBS , eliminates the diseased bladder from the urinary stream.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked
Not sure about your condition?
Compassionate, confidential consultations — Book your appointment today.