Interstitial Cystitis is a painful condition caused by inflammation of the internal bladder wall. It is a disease of the bladder, but this term is frequently misused to diagnose the Bladder Pain Syndrome, which is a far more common condition.
Interstitial Cystitis is confirmed after a thorough evaluation. If more common conditions are excluded during interview, physical exam or fluid diary, Dr. Payne’s algorithm may include urodynamic testing and cystoscopic examination. The presence of Hunner’s Ulcers is diagnostic and these would be treated at the time of the cystoscopic examination performed under anesthesia. Maintenance therapies to enhance durability of treatment are tailor-made for each patient and can sometimes involve immunotherapy.