Absence of Neuropathic Pelvic Pain and Favorable Psychological Profile in the Surgical Selection of Patients with Disabling Interstitial Cystitis

Abstract

Purpose We evaluated the results among patients with disabling interstitial cystitis treated by cystectomy, urethrectomy and creation of a continent colonic urinary reservoir (the Florida pouch). The value of psychological evaluation and pain localization techniques, as well as the use of a team approach in the evaluation of these patients were assessed. Materials and Methods The 20 women and 2 men who underwent surgery for disabling interstitial cystitis ranged from 31 to 75 years old (mean age 48). The duration of symptoms ranged from 2 to 14 years (mean 7). All patients had undergone multiple prior therapies, including vesical hydrodistension, instillations, laser treatments, and use of tranquilizers and a variety of pain medications. Patients underwent a clinical, cystoscopic (with bladder biopsies) and urodynamic evaluation as well as examination by a gynecologist with expertise in vaginal ultrasonography. The last 5 patients underwent psychological evaluation and pain localization techniques. Results Among the clinical parameters, the presence of a small capacity bladder with the patient under anesthesia (less than 400 cc) was associated with the best surgical results. Among 11 patients evaluated only clinically success was achieved in 64 percent, while all 5 (100 percent) who also underwent pain localization techniques and psychological evaluation had a successful outcome postoperatively. The overall surgical success rate in the 22 patients was 73 percent. Two patients undergoing psychological evaluation and pain localization techniques were not considered to be surgical candidates. Among 7 surgical failures 4 patients underwent postoperative psychological evaluation and pain localization techniques, and they would not have been considered candidates for surgery with the new parameters. Conclusions A team approach is essential in the evaluation of these patients. Following the initial selection of patients who had a small bladder capacity while under anesthesia, psychological evaluation and pain localizing techniques may assist surgeons in selecting those who would benefit from a radical operation.