[Interstitial cystitis in urology clinic: current status and problems]

We examined the complications in the diagnosis and treatment of interstitial cystitis in daily clinical practice.

The study included 82 patients who were suspected of having interstitial cystitis at our hospital from March 2002 to April 2013. All hydrodistention procedures were performed with the aid of an anesthesiologist, as recommended by the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare since April 2010.

Of the 82, 20 patients were male and 62 were female, (mean age at diagnosis 53 years.) Six of the suspected cases did not have interstitial cystitis. Of the 67 patients diagnosed with interstitial cystitis during hydrodistention, 29 (43%) did not experience pain. The time taken to diagnose these asymptomatic patients was longer than that taken for those who experienced pain. Twenty-eight patients (42%) discontinued treatment because it was ineffective.

Interstitial cystitis has been widely recognized, but general physicians are unable to provide a diagnosis and suggest aggressive treatment because of difficulty associated in the treatment and diagnosis. To resolve these issues, physicians should be keep in mind that interstitial cystitis involves a hypersensitive bladder, and that some patients may not experience pain. Further, knowledge about Hunner's ulcer is essential. We believe that the most important points are improving health insurance about facility criteria of hydrodistention, and evaluating behavioral modification and dietary manipulation.