Role of cystoscopy as primary initial investigation in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a chronic painful bladder condition characterized by pelvic pain and urinary symptoms without another identifiable cause. Cystoscopy as primary initial investigation for IC/BPS has not been accepted yet and needs more studies to definitely conclude. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess cystoscopy findings in patients of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome and to prove role of cystoscopy as primary initial investigation for interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our prospective observational study included 35 female patients aged 18-69 years presenting to the Urology OPD at SMS Hospital with suprapubic or pelvic pain for 6 months, bladder pain that worsens with bladder filling and reduced with voiding, dysuria, urinary frequency and urgency, nocturia, dyspareunia. Those with history of bladder capacity more than 350 ml, duration of symptoms less than 6 months, day time frequency less than eight times per day, diagnosis of bacterial cystitis or prostatitis, bladder or ureteral calculi, active genital herpes, any existing urological malignancy, radiation cystitis were excluded from the study. They were then subject to cystoscopy and the findings of the cystoscopy were analyzed. RESULTS: Out of the 35 patients, 11 (31.43%) had a normal cystoscopy. Of the 24 patients (68.57%) who had a positive cystoscopy, cystoscopy in seven patients (20.0%) revealed an ulcer. All these seven patients underwent fulguration. In the remaining 17 patients the abnormal findings were petechiae, large submucosal bleed. The sensitivity of cystoscopy in detecting the ulcerative type of Interstitial cystitis was found to be 20.0%. CONCLUSION: Our study found that Cystoscopy, if employed in initial investigation can help early detection of ulcerative variety of IC/BPS and can act as therapeutic modality by using fulguration plus hydrodistension. Larger comparative studies are needed for diagnostic/Therapeutic value of cystoscopy.

[Treatment of intravesical instillation with fulguration-hydrodistention on female interstitial cystitis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of intravesical instillation of heparin/alkalized lidocaine (lidocaine mixed with sodium bicarbonate) combined with hydrodistension and transurethral fulguration in the treatment of female interstitial cystitis (IC). METHODS: Female patients who attended the Department of Urology at the First Hospital of China Medical University between January 2012 and December 2020 and met the diagnostic criteria proposed in the guidelines of the American Urological Association with a new diagnosis of IC were selected for retrospective analysis. Cystoscopy and biopsy of suspicious lesions were performed at the time of diagnosis. All the patients were treated with an intravesical instillation regimen of 2% lidocaine 10 mL + 5% sodium bicarbonate 5 mL + heparin 25 000 IU for a continuous period of 12 months, with or without water dilatation and transurethral electrocautery according to the patient's preference, categorized as hydrodistension and transurethral fulguration (HD/TF) group and non-HD/TF group. The patients were evaluated before and 1, 6, and 12 months after treatment for O'Leary-Sant interstitial cystitis patient symptom index scores (ICSI), interstitial cystitis patient problem index scores (ICPI), visual analog scale (VAS) of suprapubic pain, and functional bladder capacity (FBC) changes. RESULTS: A total of 79 patients were collected in this study. Four (5.1%) of these patients underwent cystectomy due to pathological diagnosis of cancer or treatment failure. The remaining patients were followed up 1, 6 and 12 months after treatment. Repeated-measures ANOVA showed a significant decrease in ICPI, ICSI and VAS and an increase in FBC after treatment compared with before treatment (P < 0.05). FBC continued to decrease during the 1, 6 and 12 months' post-treatment follow-ups, with statistically significant differences; ICSI continued to decrease during the 1 and 6 months post-treatment follow-ups, with statistically significant differences, while the difference between ICSI at 6 months post-treatment and at 12 months' post-treatment was not statistically significant. In the HD/TF group, ICPI continued to decrease in the follow-up from 1 and 6 months after treatment, and the difference was statistically significant, while the difference between ICPI 6 months after treatment and 12 months after treatment was not statistically significant. There was no statistically significant difference between the remaining indicators 1, 6 and 12 months after treatment. ICPI, ICSI, VAS and FBC improved earlier and the changes in VAS and FBC were more significant in the HD/TF group compared with the non-HD/TF group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Heparin/alkalized lidocaine combination of intravesical instillation with hydrodistension and transurethral fulguration for IC is an effective treatment option. Heparin/alkalized lidocaine combination of intravesical instillation may be the first choice of treatment, which can significantly reduce the economic burden of patients and medical insurance system. If patients can accept it, transurethral fulguration with hydrodistension may be considered.

Successful treatment of immune-related cystitis with bladder hydrodistension.

Introduction: Although immune checkpoint inhibitors offer significant therapeutic benefits to patients with advanced cancer, they can also cause a variety of immune-related adverse events. As immune checkpoint inhibitors are being widely used, rare immune-related adverse events are being reported. Case presentation: A 70-year-old man with advanced salivary duct carcinoma was treated with pembrolizumab following radiotherapy. After receiving two doses of pembrolizumab, the patient experienced symptoms such as micturition pain and hematuria. Immune-related cystitis was suspected, and the patient underwent a bladder biopsy and bladder hydrodistension. Histological analysis revealed non-neoplastic bladder mucosa with CD8-positive lymphocyte-dominant inflammatory cell infiltration, consistent with immune-related cystitis. The patient's bladder symptoms improved postoperatively without steroid administration. Conclusion: Although steroids are commonly administered to treat immune-related adverse events, bladder hydrodistension may be a promising treatment option for immune-related cystitis to avoid administration of steroids, which may impair the therapeutic effect of immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Suprascapular nerve block is faster and as effective as hydrodistension in relieving frozen shoulder-associated pain and disability: A prospective, single-blind observational study with a follow-up of 24 weeks.

Background and Aims: Hydrodistension (HD) and suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) have been shown to reduce pain and improve shoulder function in frozen shoulder (FS). The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of HD and SSNB in the treatment of idiopathic FS. Material and Methods: This was a prospective observational study. A total of 65 patients with FS were treated with SSNB or HD. The functional outcome was evaluated by Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) score and active shoulder range of motion (ROM) measured at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks. Parametric data were analyzed using an independent sample T-test. Nonparametric data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test and Wilcoxon test. A P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Result: At the end of 24 weeks, the two-group improved significantly from the baseline and the improvement was comparable between the two groups. ROM also improved significantly in both groups. At 2nd week, SPADI score was significantly less in SSNB group (P < 0.05). About 43% of patients considered HD extremely painful. Conclusion: Both HD and SSNB are almost equally effective in reducing pain and improving shoulder function. However, SSNB leads to a faster improvement.

Diagnostic and therapeutic cystoscopy in bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis: systematic review of literature and consensus on methodology.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Cystoscopy has been routinely performed in patients suspected to be suffering from bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) across the globe. The methodology reported by various guidelines appears to have differences in the techniques and hence there is a need for a review of all those techniques in order to arrive at a consensus. The aim was to review the literature describing the prevalent techniques of cystoscopy for patients of BPS/IC and try to evolve a consensus. METHODS: The group the Global Interstitial Cystitis, Bladder Pain Society (GIBS) has worked collectively to systematically review the literature using the key words, "Cystoscopy in Hunner's lesions, bladder pain syndrome, painful bladder syndrome and interstitial cystitis" in the PubMed, COCHRANE, and SCOPUS databases. A total of 3,857 abstracts were studied and 96 articles referring to some part of technique of cystoscopy were short-listed for review as full-length articles. Finally, six articles with a description of a technique of cystoscopy were included for final tabulation and comparison. The group went on to arrive at a consensus for a stepwise technique of diagnostic and therapeutic cystoscopy in cases of BPS/IC. This technique has been compared with the previously described techniques and may serve to be a useful practical guide for treating physicians. CONCLUSION: It is important to have a uniform standardized technique for performing a diagnostic and therapeutic cystoscopy in patients with BPS/IC. Consensus on one such a technique has been arrived at and described in the present article.

Initial study on a comprehensive strategy for female patients with bladder pain syndrome / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To explore the efficacy of a comprehensive treatment strategy of bladder hydrodistension, transurethral resection of bladder lesions and triple drug instillation in patients with painful bladder syndrome (BPS). 【Methods】 A total of 15 female BPS patients treated during Jan.2020 and Oct.2021 were enrolled. All patients received bladder hydrodistension and transurethral resection. After operation, intravesical instillation of a triple-drug mixture (2% lidocaine hydrochloride 20 mL, heparin sodium 25 000 U, and dexamethasone 10 mg) was administered once a day for 5 days, and then once per week for 4 weeks. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, quality of sexual life, health-related quality of life, and self-rating anxiety scale score were compared before treatment and 1, 4 and 12 weeks after treatment. The complications were recorded. 【Results】 All patients completed the treatment. Of 14 patients, the VAS score and self-rating anxiety scale score were lower in week 1, 4 and 12 after treatment, while the health-related quality of life score increased. One patient’s symptoms remained unchanged. The VAS score decreased from (5.47±1.81) to (1.87±1.51) (P<0.05), and the self-rating anxiety scale score decreased from (18.13±8.64) to (6.33±8.22) (P<0.05). The score of health-related quality of life increased from (24.47±5.41) to (31.53±6.49) (P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 The comprehensive strategy is effective in the treatment of bladder pain syndrome, which can relieve pain symptoms and improve patients’ quality of life.

Treatment of intravesical instillation with fulguration-hydrodistention on female interstitial cystitis / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the efficacy and safety of intravesical instillation of heparin/alkalized lidocaine (lidocaine mixed with sodium bicarbonate) combined with hydrodistension and transurethral fulguration in the treatment of female interstitial cystitis (IC).@*METHODS@#Female patients who attended the Department of Urology at the First Hospital of China Medical University between January 2012 and December 2020 and met the diagnostic criteria proposed in the guidelines of the American Urological Association with a new diagnosis of IC were selected for retrospective analysis. Cystoscopy and biopsy of suspicious lesions were performed at the time of diagnosis. All the patients were treated with an intravesical instillation regimen of 2% lidocaine 10 mL + 5% sodium bicarbonate 5 mL + heparin 25 000 IU for a continuous period of 12 months, with or without water dilatation and transurethral electrocautery according to the patient's preference, categorized as hydrodistension and transurethral fulguration (HD/TF) group and non-HD/TF group. The patients were evaluated before and 1, 6, and 12 months after treatment for O'Leary-Sant interstitial cystitis patient symptom index scores (ICSI), interstitial cystitis patient problem index scores (ICPI), visual analog scale (VAS) of suprapubic pain, and functional bladder capacity (FBC) changes.@*RESULTS@#A total of 79 patients were collected in this study. Four (5.1%) of these patients underwent cystectomy due to pathological diagnosis of cancer or treatment failure. The remaining patients were followed up 1, 6 and 12 months after treatment. Repeated-measures ANOVA showed a significant decrease in ICPI, ICSI and VAS and an increase in FBC after treatment compared with before treatment (P < 0.05). FBC continued to decrease during the 1, 6 and 12 months' post-treatment follow-ups, with statistically significant differences; ICSI continued to decrease during the 1 and 6 months post-treatment follow-ups, with statistically significant differences, while the difference between ICSI at 6 months post-treatment and at 12 months' post-treatment was not statistically significant. In the HD/TF group, ICPI continued to decrease in the follow-up from 1 and 6 months after treatment, and the difference was statistically significant, while the difference between ICPI 6 months after treatment and 12 months after treatment was not statistically significant. There was no statistically significant difference between the remaining indicators 1, 6 and 12 months after treatment. ICPI, ICSI, VAS and FBC improved earlier and the changes in VAS and FBC were more significant in the HD/TF group compared with the non-HD/TF group (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Heparin/alkalized lidocaine combination of intravesical instillation with hydrodistension and transurethral fulguration for IC is an effective treatment option. Heparin/alkalized lidocaine combination of intravesical instillation may be the first choice of treatment, which can significantly reduce the economic burden of patients and medical insurance system. If patients can accept it, transurethral fulguration with hydrodistension may be considered.

Ultrasound-guided hydrodistension for adhesive capsulitis: a longitudinal study on the effect of diabetes on treatment outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: The effect of diabetes on adhesive capsulitis (AC) and its impact on the outcomes of ultrasound (US)-guided hydrodistension of the glenohumeral joint are still unclear. We aimed to identify predictors of US-guided hydrodistension outcomes, while assessing the performance of the method in diabetic compared to non-diabetic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 135 patients with AC who underwent US-guided hydrodistension were prospectively included. Demographics and factors linked to chronic inflammation and diabetes were recorded and patients were followed-up for 6 months. Functionality and pain were evaluated with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score. Statistical analysis was performed with Mann-Whitney U test, linear, and binary logistic regression. RESULTS: Diabetes was identified in 25/135 patients (18.5%). Diabetic patients had worse DASH and VAS score at presentation (P < 0.0001) and presented with a higher grade of AC (P < 0.0001) and lower range of motion (P < 0.01) compared to non-diabetics. Higher DASH (P = 0.025) and VAS scores (P = 0.039) at presentation were linked to worse functionality at 6 months. Presence and duration of diabetes, and the number of hydrodistension repeats, correlated with worse VAS and DASH scores at 6 months. The number of procedure repeats was the only independent predictor of complete pain resolution at 6 months (OR 0.418, P = 003). CONCLUSION: Diabetes is linked to more severe AC at presentation and worse outcomes in patients undergoing US-guided hydrodistension. In resistant cases, repeating the intervention is independently linked to worse outcomes for at least 6 months post-intervention.

Influence of diabetes on response to ultrasound guided hydrodistension treatment of adhesive capsulitis: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is associated with microvascular and macrovascular complications. Although it is less recognized, diabetes also has an important role in the development of musculoskeletal disorders. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of type 2 diabetes (T2D) on the severity of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder (AC) and on the efficacy of ultrasound guided hydrodistension treatment. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective longitudinal observational study, of patients with AC who underwent ultrasound guided hydrodistension at our Centre. Severity was measured with DASH (Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand) score and pain was evaluated with a score between 0 and 10. The association of T2D with baseline characteristics of AC, and with outcomes at 6-12 months was analyzed using linear and logistic regression models. RESULTS: We evaluated 120 ultrasound guided hydrodistension treatments of AC, 85 in patients without diabetes and 35 in patients with T2D. Patients with diabetes had a higher prevalence of dyslipidemia, hypertension and higher HbA1c values. The average duration of diabetes was 4.8 years (2.0, 7.9). The baseline characteristics of AC were not significantly different between patients with and without diabetes. Patients with T2D relapsed more frequently and required more reinterventions than patients without diabetes (20.0% vs 4.7%, p = 0.008), had higher post-intervention pain scale values [4.0 (0.0-5.0) vs 0.0 (0.0-5.0), p = 0.022] and higher post-intervention DASH score [0.8 (0.0-1.8) vs 0.0 (0.0-0.8), p = 0.038]. CONCLUSION: Although baseline characteristics of AC in patients with diabetes were similar to those without diabetes, patients with diabetes had a worse response to treatment, more frequent relapses and a greater need for new interventions.

Glenohumeral Hydrodistension for Postoperative Stiffness After Arthroscopic Primary Rotator Cuff Repair.

Background: Postoperative stiffness is a known complication after rotator cuff repair (RCR). Glenohumeral hydrodistension (GH) has been a treatment modality for shoulder pathology but has not been used to treat postoperative stiffness after RCR. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors for postoperative stiffness after RCR and review outcomes after treatment with GH. Our hypotheses were that stiffness would be associated with diabetes and hyperlipidemia and correlated with the tendons involved and that patients with stiffness who underwent GH would have significant improvement in range of motion (ROM). Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Included were 388 shoulders of patients who underwent primary RCR by a single surgeon between 2015 and 2019. Shoulders with revision RCRs were excluded. Patient characteristics, medical comorbidities, and perioperative details were collected. A total of 40 shoulders with postoperative stiffness (10.3%) received GH injectate of a 21-mL mixture (15 mL of sterile water, 5 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine, and 1 mL of triamcinolone [10 mg/mL]). The primary outcome measure was ROM in forward flexion, internal rotation, external rotation, and abduction. Statistical tests were performed using analysis of variance. Results: Patients with diabetes had significantly decreased internal rotation at final follow-up after RCR as compared with patients without diabetes. GH to treat stiffness was performed most commonly between 1 and 4 months after RCR (60%), and patients who received GH saw statistically significant improvements in forward flexion, external rotation, and abduction after the procedure. Patients with hyperlipidemia had the most benefit after GH. Among those undergoing concomitant procedures, significantly more patients who had open subpectoral biceps tenodesis underwent GH. Patients who underwent subscapularis repair or concomitant subacromial decompression had significant improvement in ROM after GH. Only 1 patient who received GH underwent secondary surgery for resistant postoperative stiffness. Conclusion: Patients with diabetes had increased stiffness. Patients with a history of hyperlipidemia or concomitant open subpectoral biceps tenodesis were more likely to undergo GH for postoperative stiffness. Patients who underwent subscapularis repair demonstrated the most improvement in ROM after GH. After primary RCR, GH can increase ROM and is a useful adjunct for patients with stiffness to limit secondary surgery.

Low-pressure hydrodistension induces bladder glomerulations in female patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome.

AIMS: The role of hydrodistension in the diagnosis of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is controversial. This study evaluated the effect of low-pressure hydrodistension on glomerulation formation in female patients diagnosed with the disease. METHODS: Sixty female patients with the clinical diagnosis of IC/BPS and 30 female controls without the disease underwent cystoscopy and hydrodistension. Cold-cup biopsy was taken from bladder posterior wall at sites with normal cystoscopic appearance before hydrodistension in the IC/BPS group. The tissue samples were processed for histology study. Low-pressure (40 cmH2 O) hydrodistension for 2 min was performed and the appearance of glomerulations was compared between the two groups. High-pressure (80 cmH2 O) hydrodistension for 8 min was then performed as a therapeutic measure for the IC/BPS patients. Further changes to the degree of glomerulations were recorded. RESULTS: Histology showed pathological changes in the normal-appearing IC/BPS bladder mucosa including urothelium denudation, inflammatory cell infiltration, stromal edema, fibrosis, and vascular congestion. Low-pressure hydrodistension induced significant glomerulation formation in the patient group (percentage of patients with Grades 0-4: 0%, 8.3%, 40%, 35%, 10%, respectively) while none in the controls. High-pressure hydrodistension further increased the glomerulation grading in the IC/BPS patients. CONCLUSIONS: Structural changes are present in prehydrodistension IC/BPS bladder wall, which may not be macroscopically detectable. Hydrodistension at low pressure is adequate to disrupt the integrity of such diseased mucosa and offers a more discriminative test in the diagnosis of IC/BPS.

The diagnostic and therapeutic efficacy of cystoscopy with hydrodistension and random biopsies in clinically suspected interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to explore the diagnostic and therapeutic efficacy of cystoscopy with hydrodistension and random biopsies for clinically suspected interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). STUDY DESIGN: We reviewed the data of fifty-five clinically suspected IC/BPS patients underwent cystoscopy with hydrodistension and random biopsies. Global Response Assessment was used to evaluate the efficacy. Disease severity was assessed by thorough history, physical examination, 3-day frequency volume chart, visual analog scale of pain, Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index (ICSI) and clinical phenotype system (UPOINT). RESULTS: According to the pathologic outcomes from random biopsies, three out of the 55 clinically suspected IC/BPS were diagnosed as bladder carcinoma. Among the 52 IC/BPS patients, thirty-six patients (69.2%) had initial chief complaints of urinary frequency and urgency. Under cystoscopy, twenty-nine patients and 23 patients were classified as Hunner ulcer type and diffuse global mucosal bleeding (grade III glomerulation). The median functional bladder capacity of the 52 IC/BPS patients was 100 ml. Hydrodistension was effective in 28 patients (53.8%) at postoperative 3 months, which decreased to 25% at post-hydrodistension 6 months and to 13.5% at 12 months. For the 28 hydrodistension-effective patients, the remission degrees of daytime frequency, nocturia, VAS bladder pain and ICSI score were 50.3%, 49.4%, 68.1% and 48%, which were significantly higher than the 16.9% (daytime frequency, P < 0.001), 20.5% (nocturia, P = 0.021), 7.4% (VAS pain score, P < 0.001) and 6.1% (ICSI, P < 0.001) in the hydrodistension-negative group. According to the UPOINT system, the hydrodistension-effective cases had significantly higher rates of symptom remission in U (P = 0.002), P (P = 0.026), O (P < 0.001), and T (P < 0.001) domains than the corresponding negative cases. In effective group, the O domain had the most remission rate (26 out of 28, 92.9%, P < 0.001), followed by the U domain (12 out of 28, 42.9%, P < 0.001) and T domain (12 out of 28, 42.9%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Histopathological analysis from random biopsies could distinguish bladder carcinoma from clinically suspected IC/BPS. Hydrodistension is more likely to be effective when chronic pelvic pain is obviously alleviated. The efficacy of hydrodistension could act in a certain period of time.

Cystoscopic findings in women with minimal and maximal lower urinary tract symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Glomerulations are not specific for interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). Controversy exists about whether cystoscopic findings differ between patients with and without lower urinary tract symptoms. We sought to compare the prevalence of cystoscopic findings in women with "no or minimal" urinary symptoms to those with a "high" symptom burden. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study performed at a University Educational Facility. Participants in this study were part of a larger prospective study, in which female patients scheduled to undergo routine gynecologic procedures were all consented for cystoscopy with hydrodistension (CWHD). We defined the "minimally symptomatic group" as those with ≤1 on each of the O'Leary/Sant Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index (ICSI) subscores and without history of IC/BPS. The "highly symptomatic" cohort of women had composite ICSI score ≥12 and a Burning/Pain subscore of 4 or 5. All were non-smokers. RESULTS: A total of 84 women underwent CWHD, with 33 having minimal symptoms and 51 being highly symptomatic. The two groups were not statistically different when assessing for 'any glomerulations' compared to 'no glomerulations.' However, minimally symptomatic women had an eight-fold lower prevalence of significant glomerulations than highly symptomatic women (3.0% minimally symptomatic vs. 23.5% highly symptomatic, P<0.05.). CONCLUSIONS: Extensive glomerulations (≥10 in 3 or 4 quadrants) are rare in women with minimal urinary symptoms. These findings contrast with prior limited prospective data which quoted similar incidence of glomerulations in IC/BPS patients and asymptomatic patients. This study highlights the importance of evaluating objective evidence on CWHD and merits further investigation as part of the ongoing conversation regarding the definition of bladder health and pathology.

La cistoscopia en la evaluación del síndrome de dolor vesical: resultados de un estudio observacional multicéntrico nacional / Cystoscopy in the evaluation of bladder pain syndrome: results of a national multicenter observational study

Objetivo: Analizar el uso y resultados dela cistoscopia y la hidrodistensión vesical para la evaluación objetiva de pacientes con Síndrome de DolorVesical (SDV), en el contexto de práctica clínica habitual.Material y métodos: Estudio observacional, nointervencionista, multicéntrico de ámbito nacional, realizado en Unidades de Urología Funcional y Urodinámica de España pertenecientes al Grupo IFU en el quese analizaron 273 mujeres con SDV a las que se lesrealizó una cistoscopia a nivel basal como herramientadiagnóstica según criterio clínico y siguiendo la prácticaclínica habitual de cada centro. Se describieron los hallazgos pre y post hidrodistensión y las puntuaciones de los cuestionarios de síntomas y de Calidad de Vida Relacionada con la Salud (CVRS): BPIC-SS, PPBC, PGI-Sy EQ-5D-5L.Resultados: La edad media (DE) fue de 59 (14) añoscon gran presencia de síntomas vesicales: frecuenciamiccional aumentada (81,7%), nocturia (74,0%) y urgencia (60,4%). El 40,7% de las cistoscopias se realizaron bajo anestesia y en el 73,7% se empleó uncistoscopio rígido estándar. Se observaron lesiones deHunner en un 9,9% de las pacientes, hipervascularizaciones (46,2%), glomerulaciones (23,4%), sangradoleve (6,6%) y cicatrices (2,2%). Tras la hidrodistensiónse observó un mayor número de lesiones grado 1 y2. En el 51,6% de las pacientes no hubo cambios,pero en el 27,5% se observaron cambios leves y en el11,4% cambios moderados o graves. Las puntuacionesde los cuestionarios de síntomas y CVRS no mostraronasociación con los hallazgos de la cistoscopia antes ydespués de la hidrodistensión. Conclusiones: El valor de los hallazgos cistoscópicos en el SDV está aún por definir, aunque juega unpapel fundamental en el diagnóstico diferencial. En esteestudio observacional no encontramos correlación delos hallazgos cistoscópicos con los síntomas de las pacientes, medidos por cuestionarios validados, ni con laCVRS.(AU)

Objetives: To study the use and resultsof cystoscopy and bladder hydrodistension in the objective assessment of patients with Bladder Pain Syndrome(BPS), in routine clinical practice.Material and methods: Observational, non-interventional, national, multicenter study carried out inFunctional Urology and Urodynamic Units of Spain belonging to the IFU Group. 273 women with BPS whounderwent cystoscopy at baseline as a diagnostic toolaccording to clinical criteria and following the routineclinical practice of each center, were studied. The preand post hydrodistension findings and the scores of thesymptom and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL)questionnaires were described: BPIC-SS, PPBC, PGI-Sand EQ-5D-5L.Results: The mean age (SD) was 59 (14) years witha high presence of bladder symptoms: increased voiding frequency (81.7%), nocturia (74%) and urgency(60.4%). 40.7% of cystoscopies were performed under anesthesia and 73.7% uses a standard rigid cystoscope. Hunner lesions were observed in 9.9% of thepatients, hypervascularizations (46.2%), glomerulations(23.4%), mild bleeding (6.6%) and scars (2.2%). Afterhydrodistension, a greater number of grade 1 and 2lesions were observed. In 51.6% of the patients therewere no changes, but in 27.5% slight changes wereobserved and in 11.4% moderate or severe changes.Symptom and HRQoL questionnaire scores showed noassociation with cystoscopy findings before and afterhydrodistension.Cconclusions: The value of the cystoscopic findingsin the SDV has yet to be defined, although it plays afundamental role in the differential diagnosis. In this observational study, we did not find a correlation of thecystoscopic findings with the symptoms of the patients,measured by validated questionnaires, nor with theHRQoL.(AU)

[Cystoscopy in the assessment of patients with bladder pain syndrome: Results of a national multicenter observational study.] / La cistoscopia en la evaluación del síndrome de dolor vesical: resultados de un estudio observacional multicéntrico nacional.

OBJECTIVES: To study the use and results of cystoscopy and bladder hydrodistension in the objective assessment of patients with Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS), in routine clinical practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational, non-interventional, national, multicenter study carried out in Functional Urology and Urodynamic Units of Spain belonging to the IFU Group. 273 women with BPS who underwent cystoscopy at baseline as a diagnostic tool according to clinical criteria and following the routine clinical practice of each center, were studied. The pre and post hydrodistension findings and the scores of the symptom and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) questionnaires were described: BPIC-SS, PPBC, PGI-S and EQ-5D-5L. RESULTS: The mean age (SD) was 59 (14) years with a high presence of bladder symptoms: increased voiding frequency (81.7%), nocturia (74%) and urgency (60.4%). 40.7% of cystoscopies were performed under anesthesia and 73.7% uses a standard rigid cystoscope. Hunner lesions were observed in 9.9% of the patients, hypervascularizations (46.2%), glomerulations (23.4%), mild bleeding (6.6%) and scars (2.2%). After hydrodistension, a greater number of grade 1 and 2 lesions were observed. In 51.6% of the patients there were no changes, but in 27.5% slight changes were observed and in 11.4% moderate or severe changes. Symptom and HRQoL questionnaire scores showed no association with cystoscopy findings before and after hydrodistension. CONCLUSIONS: The value of the cystoscopic findings in the SDV has yet to be defined, although it plays a fundamental role in the differential diagnosis. In this observational study, we did not find a correlation of the cystoscopic findings with the symptoms of the patients, measured by validated questionnaires, nor with the HRQoL.

OBJETIVO: Analizar el uso y resultados de la cistoscopia y la hidrodistensión vesical para la evaluación objetiva de pacientes con Síndrome de Dolor Vesical (SDV), en el contexto de práctica clínica habitual.MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional, no intervencionista, multicéntrico de ámbito nacional, realizado en Unidades de Urología Funcional y Urodinámica de España pertenecientes al Grupo IFU en el que se analizaron 273 mujeres con SDV a las que se les realizó una cistoscopia a nivel basal como herramienta diagnóstica según criterio clínico y siguiendo la práctica clínica habitual de cada centro. Se describieron los hallazgos pre y post hidrodistensión y las puntuaciones de los cuestionarios de síntomas y de Calidad de Vida Relacionada con la Salud (CVRS): BPIC-SS, PPBC, PGI-S y EQ-5D-5L. RESULTADOS: La edad media (DE) fue de 59 (14) años con gran presencia de síntomas vesicales: frecuencia miccional aumentada (81,7%), nocturia (74,0%) y urgencia (60,4%). El 40,7% de las cistoscopias se realizaron bajo anestesia y en el 73,7% se empleó un cistoscopio rígido estándar. Se observaron lesiones de Hunner en un 9,9% de las pacientes, hipervascularizaciones (46,2%), glomerulaciones (23,4%), sangrado leve (6,6%) y cicatrices (2,2%). Tras la hidrodistensión se observó un mayor número de lesiones grado 1 y 2. En el 51,6% de las pacientes no hubo cambios, pero en el 27,5% se observaron cambios leves y en el 11,4% cambios moderados o graves. Las puntuaciones de los cuestionarios de síntomas y CVRS no mostraron asociación con los hallazgos de la cistoscopia antes y después de la hidrodistensión. CONCLUSIONES: El valor de los hallazgos cistoscópicos en el SDV está aún por definir, aunque juega un papel fundamental en el diagnóstico diferencial. En este estudio observacional no encontramos correlación de los hallazgos cistoscópicos con los síntomas de las pacientes, medidos por cuestionarios validados, ni con la CVRS.

Transrectal Ultrasound Guided Hydrodistension - A New Surgical Way in Transgender Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Creating the neovaginal canal in transwomen is one of the most delicate steps of Genital Gender Affirming Surgery (GGAS). Injury to the rectum is a rare but serious complication that can lead to further surgery and even creation of a colostomy. AIM: Implementation of a novel hydrospacing technique (HST) based on transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided hydrodistension. METHODS: Between June 2018 and June 2020 54 transwomen received GGAS with HST. Immediately before GGAS transperineal hydrodistension was performed using a TSK-Supra-Needle (20 Gauge, 120 mm length), that was placed under direct TRUS-guided visual control between Denonvilliers' fascia and the anterior rectal wall. 40 - 60 ml normal saline were administered perineally to separate Denonvilliers' fascia from the anterior rectal wall to create a dissection of at least 20 mm. For better intraoperative visualization the hydrodissected space was also dyed using 2ml of methylenblue while retracting the needle. A retrospectively analysed, clinically and demographically comparable series of 84 transwomen who underwent GGAS between June 2016 and June 2018 served as control group. All 138 surgeries were performed by the same experienced surgeon. OUTCOMES: The effect of the novel hydrospacing technique on neovaginal dimensions and operating time. RESULTS: Patients in both groups did not differ in baseline patient characteristics such as age and body mass index (HST 35 vs 38 years in control group, P = .44 and body mass index 26 vs 25 kg/m2, P = .73). Vaginal depth and width were significantly larger in the HST subgroup as compared to controls (14.4 cm vs 13.5 cm, P = .01 and 4.2 cm vs 3.8 cm, P < .001). No statistically significant difference occurred in intraoperative rectal injury (n = 0 in HST group, n = 2 in control group, P = .26). Median total OR-time was comparable for GGAS including HST before vaginoplasty to standard technique (211 minutes for HST vs 218 minutes; P = 0.19). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The proposed additional surgical step during GGAS is minimally invasive and safe, simplifies GGAS and potentially helps to avoid complications such as rectal injury. STRENGTH & LIMITATIONS: Single-surgeon series, limited follow-up time and no prospective randomization. CONCLUSION: HST is a safe and feasible procedure, which facilitates a safe preparation of the neovaginal canal during male to female GGAS. Panic A, Rahmani N, Kaspar C, et al. Transrectal Ultrasound Guided Hydrodistension - A New Surgical Way in Transgender Surgery. J Sex Med 2021;18:1135-1141.

Diabetes: a silent player in musculoskeletal interventional radiology response.

Diabetes has an important role in the development of several musculoskeletal disorders, such as adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder (ACs) and stenosing flexor tenosynovitis of the finger (SfTf). The etiopathophysiology of ACs and SfTf in diabetic patients is associated with both chronic hyperglycemia, increased amounts of visceral adiposity and chronic inflammation. Chronic hyperglycemia stimulates the creation of cross-links between collagen molecules, impairing degradation and resulting in the build-up of excessive collagen deposits in the cartilage, ligaments, tendon sheaths and tendons. Increased adipocytes in diabetic patients secrete proteins and cytocines such as TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-13 which result in overproduction of pro-inflammatory factors, destruction of normal tissue architecture and fibrosis. Both hyperglycemia and adipocytes inhibit efferocytosis, limiting natural resolution. Recently, multiple image-guided interventional radiology musculoskeletal treatment options have been developed, such as ultrasound-guided glenohumeral capsule hydrodistension for ACs and ultrasound-guided percutaneous pulley release for trigger finger. Diabetes can negatively influence outcomes in patients with ACs and SfTf and may impact the decision of which specific procedure technique should be employed. Further studies are necessary to define how diabetes influences response to interventional radiology treatments of these disorders, as well as the extent to which control of blood sugar levels can contribute towards the personalization and optimization of patient follow up.

Efficacy of Clorpactin in refractory bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis: a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Clorpactin is an antibacterial agent with limited evidence for its use as instillation therapy in patients with bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC). This was a multi-centre, single-blinded randomized controlled trial to investigate whether Clorpactin instillation results in symptom improvement in patients with refractory BPS/IC. METHODS: Fifty women with refractory BPS/IC were randomized to undergo cystoscopy/hydrodistension (25) or instillation of Clorpactin 0.4% solution (25) under general anaesthesia. Primary outcome was based on Global Response Assessment (GRA) at 3 months; secondary outcomes were based on O'Leary Sant Symptom (OLSI) and Problem (OLPI) questionnaire scores, visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain and bladder diary parameters. RESULTS: Complete follow-up data were available on 22 in the hydrodistension group and 16 in the Clorpactin group. GRA improvement was 4.5% for hydrodistension and 56% for Clorpactin (p = 0.001) at 3 months. Reduction in mean total scores for OLSI (14.1 to 9.1; p = 0.004) and OLPI (12.6 to 7.4; p = 0.001) was seen in the Clorpactin group only. VAS pain scores were reduced in the Clorpactin group only (7.4 to 3.3; p < 0.001). Post-treatment VAS pain scores did not differ between groups although 6/25 (24%) women in the Clorpactin group required admission for pain compared to 1/25 (4%) in the hydrodistension group. CONCLUSIONS: Clorpactin treatment results in significant improvement in BPS/IC symptoms, bother and pain based on the GRA, OLSI/OLPI and VAS pain scores at 3 months post-treatment compared to cystoscopy/hydrodistension. These conclusions are limited by the high loss to follow-up in both groups.

Onabotulinumtoxin a injection with or without hydrodistension for treatment of bladder pain syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Onabotulinumtoxin A (BoNT-A) injection has been used for bladder pain syndrome (BPS) treatment with good results. Our aim was to assess the efficacy and safety of BoNT-A injection with or without hydrodistension (HD). METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients treated with BoNT-A injection with or without HD because of BPS between 2008 and 2014 in our department. One hundred U of Botox® was injected in the trigone and 100 U in the bladder wall. Follow-up included a VAS of pain (0-10), a patient satisfaction scale (0-10) and a treatment benefit scale (1-2: response to treatment; 3-4: non-response to treatment). Complications were classified according to the Clavien-Dindo (CD) classification. BoNT-A retreatment was offered at the patient's request. Reasons for non-retreatment request were collected. Postoperative outcomes were compared between BoNT-A and BoNT-A + HD. RESULTS: Forty-one patients were included (39 females, 2 males), median age: 73 years (69-78.5). Reduction in VAS, postoperative VAS = 0, satisfaction with surgery and responders to treatment were significantly higher after BoNT-A + HD (n = 26) than after BoNT-A (n = 15). Eleven (26.8%) complications (CD ≤ 2) were detected, with no differences between treatment groups. Mean follow-up was 153 (± 83) months. Twelve (46.2%) patients in the BoNT-A + HD group and seven (46.7%) patients in the BoNT-A group requested retreatment. Lack of severe pain was a common reason for treatment discontinuation. CONCLUSION: BoNT-A injection could represent a safe and effective BPS treatment. BoNT-A + HD seems to be better than BoNT-A alone for pain relief, with no significant additional morbidity.

Preoperative Staging of Gastric Cancer Using Computed Tomography and Its Correlation with Histopathology with Emphasis on Multi-planar Reformations and Virtual Gastroscopy.

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the world. Preoperative staging of gastric cancer has assumed pivotal role in deciding appropriate management of gastric cancer with multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) using hydro- and gaseous distension of stomach superseding endoscopic ultrasound in tumor (T) and nodal (N) staging. We undertook this study to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of MDCT in the T and N staging of gastric cancer with an attempt to differentiate between early and advanced gastric carcinomas. METHODS: A total of 160 patients with endoscopically diagnosed and biopsy-proven gastric cancer were subjected to MDCT after adequate gaseous and hydro-distention of stomach. Multi-planar reformatted (MPR) as well as virtual gastroscopy images were also obtained. Gastric lesions were categorized into T1 to T4 stages with N staging from N0 to N3. Preoperative CT findings were correlated with histopathological findings. RESULTS: Overall diagnostic accuracy of T staging in our study was 82.5% (132/160) with an accuracy of 75% (120/160) for N staging. The diagnostic accuracy of CT for early gastric carcinoma in our study was 93.75% with high specificity of 96% but low sensitivity of 66.7%. CONCLUSION: MDCT using gaseous and hydro-distension of stomach is an excellent modality for near accurate preoperative T staging of gastric cancer. However, CT has a limited role in the N staging of gastric cancer. This study also suggested that the combined use of virtual gastroscopy and MPR images helps in better detection of early gastric cancers.