Interstitial Cystitis

Until recently interstitial cystitis was considered a urologic curiosity, a rare problem with relatively specific diagnostic criteria that many urologists would see only once or twice in a decade. This has changed drastically in the last ten years. Interstitial cystitis is now a very controversial subject that has ignited the interest of physicians in general, urologists in particular, basic scientists and even government agencies. It is a potentially much more common and more devastating disorder (or group of disorders) than had been believed. The exponential growth in clinical and basic research is largely due to the efforts of patient groups who demanded that more attention be paid to this problem. We owe them a debt of gratitude for putting interstitial cystitis in the spotlight and quite literally under the microscope. In this book we have attempted to put together the current views of experts from around the world regarding the many aspects of this disorder. It is hoped that we can provide an image of where we stand as we enter the 1990s. If the book can stimulate other physicians and basic scientists to enter this exciting field of research, and if it can provide hope to the many thousands of patients who suffer from this disease, we will consider it a success. Acknowledgement This book is dedicated to the Interstitial Cystitis Association and its hundreds of members who have contributed so much of their time and effort toward making this disease less of a mystery.

Table of Contents:
Section 1 Introduction.- 1 Interstitial Cystitis: An Introduction to the Problem.- 2 Historical Perspectives.- Section 2 Epidemiology and Etiology.- 3 Epidemiology of Interstitial Cystitis: 1.- 4 Epidemiology of Interstitial Cystitis: 2.- 5 Interstitial Cystitis: Animal Models.- 6 Etiology: Etiologic and Pathogenic Theories in Interstitial Cystitis.- Editorial Comment Etiologic Theories: Deficiency of the Bladder Lining.- Section 3 Diagnosis.- 7 Light Microscopic Findings in Bladders of Patients with Interstitial Cystitis.- 8 Pathology of Interstitial Cystitis.- 9 Mast Cells and Interstitial Cystitis.- 10 Diagnosis of Interstitial Cystitis: A Clinical, Endoscopc and Pathologic Approach.- 11 Neurourologic Evaluation in Interstitial Cystitis.- 12 Hydrodistension and Intraoperative Urodynamics.- Editorial Comment The Clinical Evaluation of Patients with Painful Bladder Disease.- Interstitial Cystitis.- Section 4 Management.- 13 Pharmacotherapeutic Goals in Interstitial Cystitis.- 14 Intravesical Therapy of Interstitial Cystitis.- 15 Subcutaneous Heparin in the Treatment of Interstitial Cystitis.- 16 Urine Eosinophil Cationic Protein in Painful Bladder Disease.- 17 Use of Pentosanpolysulfate in the Management of Interstitial Cystitis.- 18 Use of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in the Management of Chronic Interstitial Cystitis.- 19 Reappraisal of Transurethral Resection in Classic Interstitial Cystitis.- 20 Treatment of Interstitial Cystitis with the Neodymium:YAG Laser.- 21 Partial Bladder Denervation in the Treatment of Interstitial Cystitis in Women.- 22 Surgical Therapy of Interstitial Cystitis.- Editorial Comment Substitution Cystoplasty in the Management of Interstitial Cystitis.- Addendum. Summary of the 1989 AUA Podium Section on Genitourinary Infection:Interstitial Cystitis.