Complete transurethral resection of ulcers in classic interstitial cystitis

Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic disease of obscure etiology. It commonly affects females, who present with symptoms of pain on bladder filling and urinary frequency. There are two types of IC: classic and non-ulcer disease, which differ in many respects, including response to different therapies. In this retrospective study we evaluated the hitherto largest series of patients with classic IC treated by transurethral resection (TUR) of visible ulcers. Altogether 259 TURs of Hunner ulcers were performed on 103 patients: 92 experienced amelioration, and in 40% symptom relief lasted more than 3 years. In the remaining patients, although symptom recurrence was common, the majority responded well to subsequent TUR. In conclusion, TUR has a good outcome in patients with classic interstitial cystitis, and we suggest it as first-line treatment in this patient group.