[Intravesical instillations for inflammatory and sensory chronic bladder diseases: Literature review and guide to...

Inflammatory and sensory chronic bladder diseases have a significant impact on quality of life. These pathologies share alteration of the layer between urine and urothelium, making the use of topical agents appropriate.

Review the efficacy and tolerance of intravesical treatments for these pathologies. Give practical guidelines for the use of agents currently available in France.

A narrative review was performed in March 2021 using PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar and the international guidelines. Pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies were interviewed.

Although numerous molecules were tested over the last 5 decades, only dimethylsulfoxyde and glycosaminoglycans are available in France today. Results are promising: response rates are up to 95% and 84% respectively in bladder pain syndrome. In urinary tract infections, glycosaminoglycans could decrease annual number of cystitis by 2.56 (95% confidence interval (CI) -3.86, -1.26; P<0.001) and increase the time to first cystitis recurrence by 130 days (95% CI: 5.84 - 254.26; P=0.04). In radiation cystitis, results could be comparable to hyperbaric oxygen regarding pain and frequency of voiding (-1.31±1.3 visual analogic scale et -1.5±1.4 voiding per day, respectively, at 12 months, P<0.01). However, literature has a low level of evidence.

Chronic bladder diseases have limited treatment options. Intravesical agents are a good alternative, although their cost is significant and their outcome uncertain.