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Thyroid Surgery - Understanding More About It!

Dr. Aleem Ullah Khan 86% (38 ratings)
MS - General Surgery, Diploma In Laproscopy Surgery, MBBS Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
General Surgeon, Hyderabad
Thyroid Surgery - Understanding More About It!

All the surgical operations performed on any of the endocrine glands come under the roof of endocrine surgery. Endocrine glands function as hormone secretor and have a major impact on the normal functioning of all the cells of body. Endocrine surgeons expertise in treating and operating either thyroid glands or parathyroid glands or adrenal glands or endocrine pancreas or neuro-endocrine glands. Duties of Endocrine surgeons range from initial diagnosis to examination of endocrine disorders. They further collaborate with pathologists, geneticists, radiologists, anesthetists and contribute in higher researches related to endocrine glands.

A brief about thyroid surgery
It is one of the most common endocrine surgeries. Symptoms that suggest a person shall undertake a thyroid surgery

  1. A lump which can be a malignant tumor in disguise. A fine needle biopsy of the lump is performed to detect the chances of tumor.
  2. A goitre which may be indicated by hindrance in breathing, persistent cough and difficulty in swallowing. This may cause load on adjacent organs.
  3. A retrosternal goiter.

Following operations are performed during thyroid surgery

  1. Bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy: For eleminating major part of thyroid except both part of lobes.
  2. Hemithyroidectomy: For eleminating half of thyroid
  3. Total thyroidectomy: For exclusion of entire thyroid
  4. Removal of thyroid nodule: Cutting out a lump from the thyroid

The procedure for thyroid surgery
The patient undertaking thyroid surgery is given either general anesthesia or local anesthesia. The surgery starts with making an incision, in front of the neck. This cut is made at about 2 - 3cm above collarbone. Then the muscles are divided so that the thyroid can be cut out. This entire operation is to be carried out with utmost care and attention so that parathyroid glands and voice box are unharmed.

Complexities involved in thyroid surgery

  1. While undergoing a thyroid surgery, chances of experiencing chest infection, infection due to anesthetics, heart problems, blood clotting, cut infections still persist.
  2. If bleeding continues post the surgery, it may result in swollen throat. Normal breathing may also be hampered. If during the operation, the voice box is damaged, it may result in hoarseness of the voice.
  3. Damage to the parathyroid glands may cause decrement in level of calcium in blood.
  4. If the scar tissue grows abnormally, it may result in surgical scar.

Remedies for the above complications

  1. Effects due to the damage to the voice box can be diminished by utilizing speech therapy. An additional surgery of the vocal cords can also be an option.
  2. One can overcome the drop in the level of calcium by taking calcium and vitamin D tablets.
  3. Surgical scars can be treated with the aid of steroid injections or silicone gel tape.

Since there are complications involved with the endocrine surgery, it is advised to consult the expert in the field.

1916 people found this helpful

Endocrine Surgery - Know Complexities Of It!

DNB - General Surgery, MBBS, FMAS.Laparoscopy
General Surgeon, Jaipur
Endocrine Surgery - Know Complexities Of It!

All the surgical operations performed on any of the endocrine glands come under the roof of endocrine surgery. Endocrine glands function as hormone secretor and have a major impact on the normal functioning of all the cells of body. Endocrine surgeons expertise in treating and operating either thyroid glands or parathyroid glands or adrenal glands or endocrine pancreas or neuro-endocrine glands. Duties of Endocrine surgeons range from initial diagnosis to examination of endocrine disorders. They further collaborate with pathologists, geneticists, radiologists, anesthetists and contribute in higher researches related to endocrine glands.

A brief about thyroid surgery
It is one of the most common endocrine surgeries. Symptoms that suggest a person shall undertake a thyroid surgery

  1. A lump which can be a malignant tumor in disguise. A fine needle biopsy of the lump is performed to detect the chances of tumor.
  2. A goitre which may be indicated by hindrance in breathing, persistent cough and difficulty in swallowing. This may cause load on adjacent organs.
  3. A retrosternal goiter.

Following operations are performed during thyroid surgery

  1. Bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy: For eleminating major part of thyroid except both part of lobes.
  2. Hemithyroidectomy: For eleminating half of thyroid
  3. Total thyroidectomy: For exclusion of entire thyroid
  4. Removal of thyroid nodule: Cutting out a lump from the thyroid

The procedure for thyroid surgery
The patient undertaking thyroid surgery is given either general anesthesia or local anesthesia. The surgery starts with making an incision, in front of the neck. This cut is made at about 2 - 3cm above collarbone. Then the muscles are divided so that the thyroid can be cut out. This entire operation is to be carried out with utmost care and attention so that parathyroid glands and voice box are unharmed.

Complexities involved in thyroid surgery

  1. While undergoing a thyroid surgery, chances of experiencing chest infection, infection due to anesthetics, heart problems, blood clotting, cut infections still persist.
  2. If bleeding continues post the surgery, it may result in swollen throat. Normal breathing may also be hampered. If during the operation, the voice box is damaged, it may result in hoarseness of the voice.
  3. Damage to the parathyroid glands may cause decrement in level of calcium in blood.
  4. If the scar tissue grows abnormally, it may result in surgical scar.

Remedies for the above complications

  1. Effects due to the damage to the voice box can be diminished by utilizing speech therapy. An additional surgery of the vocal cords can also be an option.
  2. One can overcome the drop in the level of calcium by taking calcium and vitamin D tablets.
  3. Surgical scars can be treated with the aid of steroid injections or silicone gel tape.

Since there are complications involved with the endocrine surgery, it is advised to consult the expert in the field.

3840 people found this helpful

Endocrine Surgery - Know Remedies For It!

MBBS, MS - General Surgery
General Surgeon, Ludhiana
Endocrine Surgery - Know Remedies For It!

All the surgical operations performed on any of the endocrine glands come under the roof of endocrine surgery. Endocrine glands function as hormone secretor and have a major impact on the normal functioning of all the cells of body. Endocrine surgeons expertise in treating and operating either thyroid glands or parathyroid glands or adrenal glands or endocrine pancreas or neuro-endocrine glands. Duties of Endocrine surgeons range from initial diagnosis to examination of endocrine disorders. They further collaborate with pathologists, geneticists, radiologists, anesthetists and contribute in higher researches related to endocrine glands.

A brief about thyroid surgery

It is one of the most common endocrine surgeries. Symptoms that suggest a person shall undertake a thyroid surgery

  1. A lump which can be a malignant tumor in disguise. A fine needle biopsy of the lump is performed to detect the chances of tumor.
  2. A goitre which may be indicated by hindrance in breathing, persistent cough and difficulty in swallowing. This may cause load on adjacent organs.
  3. A retrosternal goiter.

Following operations are performed during thyroid surgery

  1. Bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy: For eleminating major part of thyroid except both part of lobes.
  2. Hemithyroidectomy: For eleminating half of thyroid
  3. Total thyroidectomy: For exclusion of entire thyroid
  4. Removal of thyroid nodule: Cutting out a lump from the thyroid

The procedure for thyroid surgery
The patient undertaking thyroid surgery is given either general anesthesia or local anesthesia. The surgery starts with making an incision, in front of the neck. This cut is made at about 2 - 3cm above collarbone. Then the muscles are divided so that the thyroid can be cut out. This entire operation is to be carried out with utmost care and attention so that parathyroid glands and voice box are unharmed.

Complexities involved in thyroid surgery

  1. While undergoing a thyroid surgery, chances of experiencing chest infection, infection due to anesthetics, heart problems, blood clotting, cut infections still persist.
  2. If bleeding continues post the surgery, it may result in swollen throat. Normal breathing may also be hampered. If during the operation, the voice box is damaged, it may result in hoarseness of the voice.
  3. Damage to the parathyroid glands may cause decrement in level of calcium in blood.
  4. If the scar tissue grows abnormally, it may result in surgical scar.

Remedies for the above complications

  1. Effects due to the damage to the voice box can be diminished by utilizing speech therapy. An additional surgery of the vocal cords can also be an option.
  2. One can overcome the drop in the level of calcium by taking calcium and vitamin D tablets.
  3. Surgical scars can be treated with the aid of steroid injections or silicone gel tape.

Since there are complications involved with the endocrine surgery, it is advised to consult the expert in the field.

2939 people found this helpful

Endocrine Surgery - Must Know Facts About It!

Dr. Om Prakash Prajapati 88% (14 ratings)
MBBS, MS General Surgery, MCh Endocrine Surgery
General Surgeon, Varanasi
Endocrine Surgery - Must Know Facts About It!

All the surgical operations performed on any of the endocrine glands come under the roof of endocrine surgery. Endocrine glands function as hormone secretor and have a major impact on the normal functioning of all the cells of body. Endocrine surgeons expertise in treating and operating either thyroid glands or parathyroid glands or adrenal glands or endocrine pancreas or neuro-endocrine glands. Duties of Endocrine surgeons range from initial diagnosis to examination of endocrine disorders. They further collaborate with pathologists, geneticists, radiologists, anesthetists and contribute in higher researches related to endocrine glands.

A brief about thyroid surgery
It is one of the most common endocrine surgeries. Symptoms that suggest a person shall undertake a thyroid surgery

  1. A lump which can be a malignant tumor in disguise. A fine needle biopsy of the lump is performed to detect the chances of tumor.
  2. goitre which may be indicated by hindrance in breathing, persistent coughand difficulty in wallowing. This may cause load on adjacent organs.
  3. A retrosternal goiter.

Following operations are performed during thyroid surgery

  1. Bilateral subtotal thyroidectomyFor eleminating major part of thyroid except both part of lobes.
  2. Hemithyroidectomy: For eleminating half of thyroid
  3. Total thyroidectomy: For exclusion of entire thyroid
  4. Removal of thyroid nodule: Cutting out a lump from the thyroid

The procedure for thyroid surgery

The patient undertaking thyroid surgery is given either general anesthesia or local anesthesia. The surgery starts with making an incision, in front of the neck. This cut is made at about 2 - 3cm above collarbone. Then the muscles are divided so that the thyroid can be cut out. This entire operation is to be carried out with utmost care and attention so that parathyroid glands and voice box are unharmed.

Complexities involved in thyroid surgery

  1. While undergoing a thyroid surgery, chances of experiencing chest infection, infection due to anesthetics,heart problems, blood clotting, cut infections still persist.
  2. If bleeding continues post the surgery, it may result in swollen throat. Normal breathing may also be hampered. If during the operation, the voice box is damaged, it may result in hoarseness of the voice.
  3. Damage to the parathyroid glands may cause decrement in level of calcium in blood.
  4. If the scar tissue grows abnormally, it may result in surgical scar.

Remedies for the above complications

  1. Effects due to the damage to the voice box can be diminished by utilizing speech therapy. An additional surgery of the vocal cords can also be an option.
  2. One can overcome the drop in the level of calcium by taking calcium and vitamin D tablets.
  3. Surgical scars can be treated with the aid of steroid injections or silicone gel tape.
2637 people found this helpful

Vertebroplasty - How It Can Help Manage Pain?

Dr. K J Choudhury 89% (207 ratings)
MBBS, MD, M.N.A.M.S(Anaesthesiology), FWACS
Pain Management Specialist, Delhi
Vertebroplasty - How It Can Help Manage Pain?

Vertebroplasty means shaping the backbone i.e. vertebra for backbone and plasty is related to shape. This is an outpatient procedure done to treat compression fractures of the spinal cord. The backbone is made up of multiple small bones which are stacked one on top of the other with a filling material in between that is known as vertebrae. The stack of bones are held in place by the soft, elastic vertebral material.

Vertebroplasty & similar procedure called kyphoplasty is a non-surgical procedure where collapsed vertebrae is brought back to shape by injecting medical bone cement under fluroscopy / image intensifier in OT, thereby relieving pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerves with special canula directed to the core of vertebral body. Indicated in osteoporotic vertebrae, spinal fracture, metastatic tumour or primary tumour of spine. This technique has replaced major surgery done earlier to reshape & fix vertabrae.

Technique: Bone cement, in a semisolid state, is injected into the weakened or fractured bone space. Once this solidifies, it provides additional support to the spine, enabling normal movement. It also helps in reducing the pain significantly and improves the overall mobility.

Procedure:

In what takes about an hour, the following steps are done. Earlier, a few decades ago, this would be an open surgical procedure. However, with advance technology, now it is done using a small incision

  • Local anesthesia is given in the area that needs to be operated
  • A biopsy needle is inserted into the fractured space with the help of an X-ray
  • The acrylic bone cement is injected into the bone space with a needle to fill up the space, once it solidifies, it stabilizes the vertebral space
  • The needle is removed and the incision is covered with a bandage
  • Usually the patient is sent home in an hour’s time unless the overall condition is really bad
  • There could be some soreness at the site where injection is given, but one can notice a significant reduction in pain from the day of the procedure
  • There is also improvement in mobility while doing daily chores
  • The pain relief can last up to 3 years after the procedure
  • Returning back to normal activities takes about 3 to 4 days after the procedure

When to use this procedure?

Vertebroplasty is usually done in case of non-radicular pain that is intractable. In most cases, they do not respond to traditional therapies including physiotherapy, pain medications and even surgery. The pain could be due to:

Benefits of using vertebroplasty for managing pain 

  1. Minimally invasive
  2. Effective way to get relief
  3. Improves mobility
  4. Cost-effective
  5. Reduces need for long-term use of painkillers
  6. Stabilizes the spine and prevents further collapse

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

4146 people found this helpful

Types Of Spinal Tumors & Its Neurosurgical Treatments!

MBBS, MS- General Surgery, M.Ch. - Neuro Surgery
Neurosurgeon, Meerut
Types Of Spinal Tumors & Its Neurosurgical Treatments!

A spinal tumor is a tumor of the spine that might occur anywhere in or near the spine and be of any size. A skilled and reputed neurosurgeon can surgically eliminate the tumor but there are many things to consider before going for the procedure. Let’s understand spinal tumors better.

Types of Spinal Tumor-

Spinal tumors are categorized according to their anatomic location with respect to the spinal cord.

  • A vertebral tumor is one that occurs inside the bones or vertebrae of the spine.

  • An intradural tumor is one that occurs inside the lining of the spinal cord.

  • An intramedullary tumor is one that originates right inside the spinal cord.

Symptoms-

Symptoms of a spinal tumor are difficult to bear with. Some common symptoms of spinal tumors are:

  • Pain at the exact location of the tumor spreading to other parts of the body.

  • Pain in various regions of the body, especially in the lower back, neck, head, and sciatic area.

  • Neurological problems of various types.

  • Paralysis.

  • Loss of sensation of temperature or pain or touch.

  • Bladder control issues.

  • Difficulty maintaining balance.

  • Muscle weakness.

If the tumor is not eliminated somehow, it can metastasize and eventually become fatal.

Causes and Risk Factors-

The cause of the abnormal cell growth is not known but having tumors and cancer is prevalent in the family line. Hereditary diseases like neurofibromatosis 2 and von Hippel-Lindau disease in a close blood relative puts people in the high-risk factor category.

People who have had tumors earlier are more susceptible to getting tumors again in the same area or spinal tumors too.

Genetic defects, associated or not associated with the hereditary connection, is another risk factor.

Diagnosis-

Diagnosis involves gathering information about the entire family medical history and the patient’s own medical history and assessment of symptoms. Conclusive tests include:

Treatment options are determined after the diagnosis of the tumor depending on the size, type, and stage of the tumor.

Treatment-

Treatment depends on the cause, location, size, and type of the tumor. It also depends on the patient’s overall medical health. A spinal tumor has to be eliminated completely hence neurosurgery is the commonest solution.

If it is cancerous, radiation therapy or chemotherapy is done after determining the endurance of the patient.

The age, health, and tolerance of the patient are taken into consideration before going for any kind of surgery or therapy. Risk factors like damage to healthy nerve cells and the chances of complications are considered because the spine is the most sensitive part of the body besides the brain itself.

2993 people found this helpful

Colposcopy - Know More About It!

Dr. Vibha Bansal 89% (52 ratings)
MBBS, MD - Obstetrtics & Gynaecology, Certification in IVF & Infertility, Fellowship in Advanced Laparoscopy
Gynaecologist, Mohali
Colposcopy - Know More About It!

The physical constitution of a woman’s body is complex and must be subject to regular medical check-ups. The reproductive system in women is especially sensitive to many factors. Colposcopy is a surgical procedure that entails an examination of the vulva, vagina, and cervix by using a tool known as the colposcope. This process is performed if unusual results are detected in Pap smear test.

The Pap smear is a medical screening test that helps identify abnormal cervical cells. The doctor uses the bright light that emanates from the colposcope to see the cervix more clearly under optical magnification. In case irregular areas are spotted during the Pap smear test, a tissue sample is retrieved from the cervix and then sent for biopsy.

What is the purpose of colposcopy?
Colposcopy is performed if a woman starts bleeding profusely right after engaging in sexual intercourse. The medical procedure enables doctors to identify abnormal growth in the reproductive system of a woman; such growth may be visible in the vulva, vagina, or in the woman’s cervix.

Cervical cancer can be identified with the help of a surgical procedure like colposcopy. The procedure can be used to locate ailments in the uterine cervix. These abnormalities may include genital warts or excessive inflammation of the cervix. The latter is known as cervicitis.

How is Colposcopy Performed?
The first step of the colposcopy procedure requires the patient to lie down with the feet placed in stirrups, similar to how a patient would have to lie down when undergoing any Pap smear test or a pelvic exam. A speculum is placed on the patient’s vagina, and the colposcope shall be positioned some inches away from the vulva. The insertion of the speculum can generate some discomfort, but the pain does not last long.

The vagina and the cervix are swabbed with vinegar and cotton to clear any mucus and to highlight any abnormal cells. The colposcope does not physically touch the person. The doctor may proceed to take photographs of areas that might appear suspicious to him. He may also extract a tissue sample from the cervix and send this to a laboratory for biopsy.

The doctor applies a solution to the patient after the biopsy has been executed. This action helps to control the bleeding that may occur after the colposcopy. The solution is known as Monsel’s Solution, and it generates a dark discharge following the procedure. The discharge may occur for a few days.

Colposcopy is an effective procedure that identifies abnormal growth in cervical cells. While there are no risks associated with this procedure as such, it is common for patients to experience bleeding and even fever for a few days after the surgery.

1356 people found this helpful

Thyroid Surgery - Know The Types That Can Be Performed!

Dr. Amitava Chakraborty 89% (13 ratings)
MS - General Surgery, MBBS Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
General Surgeon, Kolkata
Thyroid Surgery - Know The Types That Can Be Performed!

All the surgical operations performed on any of the endocrine glands come under the roof of endocrine surgery. Endocrine glands function as hormone secretor and have a major impact on the normal functioning of all the cells of body. Endocrine surgeons expertise in treating and operating either thyroid glands or parathyroid glands or adrenal glands or endocrine pancreas or neuro-endocrine glands. Duties of Endocrine surgeons range from initial diagnosis to examination of endocrine disorders. They further collaborate with pathologists, geneticists, radiologists, anesthetists and contribute in higher researches related to endocrine glands.

A brief about thyroid surgery
It is one of the most common endocrine surgeries. Symptoms that suggest a person shall undertake a thyroid surgery

  1. A lump which can be a malignant tumor in disguise. A fine needle biopsy of the lump is performed to detect the chances of tumor.
  2. A goitre which may be indicated by hindrance in breathing, persistent cough and difficulty in swallowing. This may cause load on adjacent organs.
  3. A retrosternal goiter.

Following operations are performed during thyroid surgery

  1. Bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy: For eleminating major part of thyroid except both part of lobes.
  2. Hemithyroidectomy: For eleminating half of thyroid
  3. Total thyroidectomy: For exclusion of entire thyroid
  4. Removal of thyroid nodule: Cutting out a lump from the thyroid

The procedure for thyroid surgery
The patient undertaking thyroid surgery is given either general anesthesia or local anesthesia. The surgery starts with making an incision, in front of the neck. This cut is made at about 2 - 3cm above collarbone. Then the muscles are divided so that the thyroid can be cut out. This entire operation is to be carried out with utmost care and attention so that parathyroid glands and voice box are unharmed.

Complexities involved in thyroid surgery

  1. While undergoing a thyroid surgery, chances of experiencing chest infection, infection due to anesthetics, heart problems, blood clotting, cut infections still persist.
  2. If bleeding continues post the surgery, it may result in swollen throat. Normal breathing may also be hampered. If during the operation, the voice box is damaged, it may result in hoarseness of the voice.
  3. Damage to the parathyroid glands may cause decrement in level of calcium in blood.
  4. If the scar tissue grows abnormally, it may result in surgical scar.

Remedies for the above complications

  1. Effects due to the damage to the voice box can be diminished by utilizing speech therapy. An additional surgery of the vocal cords can also be an option.
  2. One can overcome the drop in the level of calcium by taking calcium and vitamin D tablets.
  3. Surgical scars can be treated with the aid of steroid injections or silicone gel tape.

Since there are complications involved with the endocrine surgery, it is advised to consult the expert in the field.

3361 people found this helpful

Endocrine Surgery - Facts You Should be Aware of

Dr. Kanwaljit Chahl 89% (349 ratings)
Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS), MS - General Surgery, MBBS
General Surgeon, Mohali
Endocrine Surgery - Facts You Should be Aware of

All the surgical operations performed on any of the endocrine glands come under the roof of endocrine surgery. Endocrine glands function as hormone secretor and have a major impact on the normal functioning of all the cells of body. Endocrine surgeons expertise in treating and operating either thyroid glands or parathyroid glands or adrenal glands or endocrine pancreas or neuro-endocrine glands. Duties of Endocrine surgeons range from initial diagnosis to examination of endocrine disorders. They further collaborate with pathologists, geneticists, radiologists, anesthetists and contribute in higher researches related to endocrine glands.

A brief about thyroid surgery
It is one of the most common endocrine surgeries. Symptoms that suggest a person shall undertake a thyroid surgery

  1. A lump which can be a malignant tumor in disguise. A fine needle biopsy of the lump is performed to detect the chances of tumor.
  2. A goitre which may be indicated by hindrance in breathing, persistent cough and difficulty in wallowing. This may cause load on adjacent organs.
  3. A retrosternal goiter.

Following operations are performed during thyroid surgery

  1. Bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy: For eleminating major part of thyroid except both part of lobes.
  2. Hemithyroidectomy: For eleminating half of thyroid
  3. Total thyroidectomy: For exclusion of entire thyroid
  4. Removal of thyroid nodule: Cutting out a lump from the thyroid

The procedure for thyroid surgery

The patient undertaking thyroid surgery is given either general anesthesia or local anesthesia. The surgery starts with making an incision, in front of the neck. This cut is made at about 2 - 3cm above collarbone. Then the muscles are divided so that the thyroid can be cut out. This entire operation is to be carried out with utmost care and attention so that parathyroid glands and voice box are unharmed.

Complexities involved in thyroid surgery

  1. While undergoing a thyroid surgery, chances of experiencing chest infection, infection due to anesthetics,heart problems, blood clotting, cut infections still persist.
  2. If bleeding continues post the surgery, it may result in swollen throat. Normal breathing may also be hampered. If during the operation, the voice box is damaged, it may result in hoarseness of the voice.
  3. Damage to the parathyroid glands may cause decrement in level of calcium in blood.
  4. If the scar tissue grows abnormally, it may result in surgical scar.

Remedies for the above complications

  1. Effects due to the damage to the voice box can be diminished by utilizing speech therapy. An additional surgery of the vocal cords can also be an option.
  2. One can overcome the drop in the level of calcium by taking calcium and vitamin D tablets.
  3. Surgical scars can be treated with the aid of steroid injections or silicone gel tape. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a General Surgeon.

 

3618 people found this helpful

What Is Interstitial Cystitis ( Painful Bladder Syndrome)?

Dr. Satyajeet P Pattnaik 93% (1033 ratings)
MBBS, MS- General Surgery, MCH- Urology, Fellowship Minimal Access Surgery
Urologist, Mumbai
What Is Interstitial Cystitis ( Painful Bladder Syndrome)?

Diagnosis -
The following may be helpful in diagnosing interstitial cystitis:

  • Medical history and bladder diary - Your doctor will ask you to describe your symptoms and may ask you to keep a bladder diary, recording the volume of fluids you drink and the volume of urine you pass.
  • Pelvic exam - During a pelvic exam, your doctor examines your external genitals, vagina and cervix and feels your abdomen to assess your internal pelvic organs. Your doctor may also examine your anus and rectum.
  • Urine test - A sample of your urine is analyzed for signs of a urinary tract infection.
  • Cystoscopy - Your doctor inserts a thin tube with a tiny camera (cystoscope) through the urethra, showing the lining of your bladder. Your doctor may also inject liquid into your bladder to measure your bladder capacity. Your doctor may perform this procedure, known as hydrodistention, after you've been numbed with an anesthetic medication to make you more comfortable.
  • Biopsy - During cystoscopy under anesthesia, your doctor may remove a sample of tissue (biopsy) from the bladder and the urethra for examination under a microscope. This is to check for bladder cancer and other rare causes of bladder pain.
  • Urine cytology - Your doctor collects a urine sample and examines the cells to help rule out cancer.
  • Potassium sensitivity test - Your doctor places (instills) two solutions — water and potassium chloride — into your bladder, one at a time. You're asked to rate on a scale of 0 to 5 the pain and urgency you feel after each solution is instilled. If you feel noticeably more pain or urgency with the potassium solution than with the water, your doctor may diagnose interstitial cystitis. People with normal bladders can't tell the difference between the two solutions.

Treatment -

No simple treatment eliminates the signs and symptoms of interstitial cystitis, and no one treatment works for everyone. You may need to try various treatments or combinations of treatments before you find an approach that relieves your symptoms.

  • Physical therapy - Working with a physical therapist may relieve pelvic pain associated with muscle tenderness, restrictive connective tissue or muscle abnormalities in your pelvic floor.
     
  • Oral medications - Oral medications that may improve the signs and symptoms of interstitial cystitis include:
    • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (advil, motrin ib, others) or naproxen sodium (aleve), to relieve pain.
    • Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline or imipramine (tofranil), to help relax your bladder and block pain
    • Antihistamines, such as loratadine (claritin, others), which may reduce urinary urgency and frequency and relieve other symptoms.
    • Pentosan polysulfate sodium (elmiron), which is approved by the food and drug administration specifically for treating interstitial cystitis. How it works is unknown, but it may restore the inner surface of the bladder, which protects the bladder wall from substances in urine that could irritate it. It may take two to four months before you begin to feel pain relief and up to six months to experience a decrease in urinary frequency.
       
  • Nerve stimulation - Sacral nerve stimulation.
  • Nerve stimulation techniques include:
    • Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (tens. With tens, mild electrical pulses relieve pelvic pain and, in some cases, reduce urinary frequency. Tens may increase blood flow to the bladder. This may strengthen the muscles that help control the bladder or trigger the release of substances that block pain.
    • Electrical wires placed on your lower back or just above your pubic area deliver electrical pulses — the length of time and frequency of therapy depends on what works best for you.
    • Sacral nerve stimulation. Your sacral nerves are a primary link between the spinal cord and nerves in your bladder. Stimulating these nerves may reduce urinary urgency associated with interstitial cystitis.
    • With sacral nerve stimulation, a thin wire placed near the sacral nerves sends electrical impulses to your bladder, similar to what a pacemaker does for your heart. If the procedure decreases your symptoms, you may have a permanent device surgically implanted. This procedure doesn't manage pain from interstitial cystitis, but may help to relieve some symptoms of urinary frequency and urgency.
5 people found this helpful