Cystectomy for patients with Hunner-type interstitial cystitis at a tertiary referral center in Japan

To evaluate the outcomes of partial and total cystectomy in patients with refractory Hunner-type interstitial cystitis (HIC).

Patients with end-stage HIC who underwent supratrigonal partial cystectomy with augmentation ileocystoplasty (PC-CP) or total cystectomy with ileal conduit (TC-IC) were identified retrospectively. Changes in the 11-point numerical rating scale of bladder pain and in 7-grade quality of life (QOL) scores were evaluated. Changes in the O'Leary and Sant's Symptom Index (OSSI) and O'Leary and Sant's Problem Index (OSPI) were analyzed in patients with PC-CP. Peri- and postoperative complications and patient satisfaction with overall outcomes were examined.

Four patients (one female) underwent PC-CP and 13 (nine females) underwent TC-IC. Bladder pain persisted in three PC-CP patients, but resolved completely in all TC-IC patients. Pain scale and QOL scores improved significantly in patients with TC-IC (P < .01), but not in those with PC-CP. OSSI/OSPI scores did not improve significantly in patients with PC-CP. Three PC-CP patients required clean intermittent catheterization due to voiding dysfunction or persistent pain. Two TC-IC patients developed stricture of the ureteroileal anastomosis, resulting in permanent placement of a ureteral stent in one case and nephrostomy in the other. Satisfaction rate was higher in the TC-IC than in the PC-CP group (76.9% vs 25.0%, P < .05).

TC-IC provided reliable pain relief and improved QOL in patients with end-stage HIC, but the small case number and limited methodology restrict interpretation of the results. Further studies are needed to identify appropriate candidates and optimal surgical procedures.