✦ Interstitial Cystitis Treatment

Hydrodistension of Bladder (under GA)

Q: How long does symptom relief last after hydrodistension?

Symptom relief varies — some patients experience benefit for weeks, others for months; the procedure can be repeated when symptoms recur.

Q: Does hydrodistension cure interstitial cystitis?

Hydrodistension is not curative but provides meaningful symptom relief and important diagnostic information in most patients. Your consultant will provide specific guidance based on your individual clinical situation and recovery.

Q: Is hydrodistension painful after the procedure?

Temporary worsening of bladder pain for 2–7 days after hydrodistension is common before improvement begins; simple analgesics help. Your consultant will provide specific guidance based on your individual clinical situation and recovery.

Bladder Distension Under Anaesthesia for Interstitial Cystitis Diagnosis and Relief

20–30 min PROCEDURE

Day Care HOSPITAL STAY

60–70% temporary SUCCESS RATE

3–7 Days RECOVERY

What is Hydrodistension of Bladder (under GA)?

Hydrodistension is the controlled distension of the bladder to its maximum capacity under general anaesthesia. It is used in interstitial cystitis (IC/BPS) both as a diagnostic tool — measuring bladder capacity and identifying Hunner lesions — and as a treatment providing temporary symptom relief in many patients. The distension pressure is believed to induce ischaemia of afferent pain nerve fibres reducing pain signals. The procedure is performed under general or spinal anaesthesia with a hospital stay of Day Care. Success rates reach 60–70% temporary relief in appropriately selected patients at experienced centres.

Patients with suspected or diagnosed interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome requiring cystoscopic assessment and initial treatment for debilitating bladder pain and urgency. Patients must be adequately fit for anaesthesia and free from active systemic infection before proceeding.

How the Procedure Works

Cystoscopy

Cystoscope introduced under general anaesthesia.

Bladder Inspection

Bladder systematically inspected for Hunner lesions, glomerulations, and petechiae.

Controlled Distension

Bladder filled to maximum capacity at a controlled distension pressure (80 cmH₂O).

Distension & Re-inspection

Distension maintained for 1–2 minutes; fluid released and bladder re-inspected.

Biopsies & Treatment

Biopsies taken from abnormal areas; Hunner lesions treated with laser or diathermy.

Outcomes

20–30 minDURATION

Day CareHOSPITAL STAY

60–70% temporarySUCCESS RATE

3–7 DaysFULL RECOVERY

Who Needs This Treatment?

→Provides both diagnosis and initial treatment in a single procedure.
→Identifies Hunner lesions requiring specific targeted laser treatment.
→Bladder capacity measurement guides treatment planning and prognosis.
→60–70% of patients experience symptom relief lasting weeks to months.
→Allows targeted biopsies confirming IC and excluding malignancy.
→Can be repeated when symptom benefit wears off.

"Hydrodistension remains the cornerstone of interstitial cystitis management. It gives us crucial diagnostic information and provides meaningful, if temporary, relief for most patients with this challenging condition."

— — Dr. Vipin Reddy, Consultant Urologist, Andrologist & Renal Transplant Surgeon

Common Questions

Frequently Asked

How long does symptom relief last after hydrodistension?+

Does hydrodistension cure interstitial cystitis?+

Is hydrodistension painful after the procedure?+

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

Book a consultation with Dr. Vipin Reddy and get a personalised treatment plan.

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