Transurethral Fulguration Shown to Ease Pelvic Pain in Interstitial Cystitis

Recent research indicates that transurethral fulguration (TUF) serves as an effective treatment for alleviating pelvic pain associated with interstitial cystitis (IC). A study published in Neurourology and Urodynamics has provided substantial evidence supporting the use of this procedure.

Researchers conducted a retrospective analysis involving electronic medical records of patients diagnosed with IC who presented pelvic pain at outpatient clinics. The study, led by a team from Seoul National University College of Medicine, focused on cystoscopic surgery employing TUF to manage bladder ulcers, while cases of intractable pelvic pain were managed through cystectomy.

Out of 275 patients reviewed, 240 underwent initial cystoscopic surgery, with an average of one TUF procedure performed per patient during a median follow-up period of 21 months. Notably, 71 patients, representing approximately 29.6%, did not require any additional surgical interventions following their initial treatment. However, around 26.7% of the patients experienced recurrent pelvic pain and required a second TUF procedure, with a median recurrence interval of 12 months.

Among those who had a second TUF, 15 patients, or 23.4%, subsequently needed a third TUF after another median interval of 12 months. A few patients reported multiple TUF procedures due to ongoing pain, with one patient receiving as many as seven treatments. Overall, a significant proportion of 168 patients, equating to 70%, experienced effective pain control following the TUF procedure. In comparison, 18 patients, or 7.5%, ultimately underwent cystectomy.

The findings from this study suggest that TUF-based cystoscopic surgery is a viable initial treatment option for managing pelvic pain in patients suffering from interstitial cystitis. The results contribute valuable insights into the potential of TUF as a fundamental approach for pain management in this patient group.

For further details, refer to the study titled Transurethral Fulguration of Hunner Lesion Was Effective for Primary Management of Pelvic Pain in Patients With Interstitial Cystitis: A Long-Term Follow-Up Study published in Neurourology and Urodynamics.