Therapeutic effects of endoscopic ablation in patients with Hunner type interstitial cystitis

To investigate the efficacy of endoscopic ablation of Hunner lesions (HLs) in patients with interstitial cystitis (IC) and to find predictors of early recurrence of HLs.

A prospective study was performed of patients with Hunner type IC who underwent transurethral ablation. We repeated endoscopic ablation when symptoms and HLs recurred during the follow-up period. The primary endpoint was recurrence-free time. Secondary endpoints were a change in frequency, nocturia, and urgency episodes, and changes in visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores and other symptom indices at follow-up visits.

A total of 72 patients were analysed. The median (range) follow-up period was 29.5 (12.0-50.0) months. After primary ablation treatment, HLs recurred in 75.0% (54/72) of patients, and the median (sd) recurrence-free time was 12.0 (1.6) months. Amongst the 54 patients with recurrence, 50 underwent a second ablation treatment. HLs occurred in 44.0% (22/50) of individuals after the second operation, and the median (sd) recurrence-free time was 18.0 (5.1) months. Lower maximal cystometric capacity (odds ratio 1.01, 95% confidence interval 1.001-1.013) was the predictive factor for early recurrence. There were significant improvements in the VAS pain scores, O'Leary-Sant Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index and Problem Index, Pelvic Pain and Urgency/Frequency Patient Symptom Scale after treatment (all, P < 0.05).

Endoscopic ablation is an effective treatment option for HLs and significantly reduces pain and improves voiding symptoms. Repeat ablation upon recurrence could help symptom control and bladder preservation only if the bladder capacity is maintained.