Interstitial Cystitis Surgery

Interstitial cystitis surgery options include fulguration and resection, augmentation, sacral nerve root stimulation, and bladder removal (cystectomy). However, because the outcome is unpredictable, surgery should be considered only if all other treatments have failed and the pain is disabling. When exploring interstitial cystitis surgery, thoroughly discuss the risks, benefits, side effects, and potential complications with a surgeon and your family.

Interstitial Cystitis Information

An Introduction to Interstitial Cystitis Surgery

Interstitial cystitis surgery should be considered only if all available treatments have failed and the pain is disabling. Many approaches and techniques are used, each of which has its own advantages and complications that should be discussed with a surgeon.

Your doctor may recommend consulting another surgeon for a second opinion before having interstitial cystitis surgery. Most doctors are reluctant to operate for interstitial cystitis because the outcome is unpredictable. Some people still have interstitial cystitis symptoms after surgery.

People considering interstitial cystitis surgery should discuss the potential risks, benefits, side effects, and long- and short-term complications with a surgeon and with their family, as well as with people who have already had the procedure. Interstitial cystitis surgery requires anesthesia, hospitalization, and weeks or even months of recovery. As the complexity of the surgery increases, so do the chances for complications and for failure.

Interstitial cystitis surgery options include:

Fulguration and resection
Augmentation
Sacral nerve root stimulation
Bladder removal (cystectomy).

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