INTRAVESICAL INSTILLATION FOR URINARY INFECTIONS.
INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS.
What does the procedure involve?
This procedure involves instilling a drug solution into the bladder to help treat painful
bladder syndrome or cystitis type symptoms, such as bladder pain, urinary urgency
and frequency. It works by aiming to reduce inflammation and discomfort in the
Bladder and protecting the inner lining (GAG layer).
What are the alternatives to this procedure?
Repeated antibiotic courses when infection is found, antibiotic prophylaxis, use of
cranberry products, use of probiotics.
What should I expect before the procedure?
Before you arrive, do not drink anything for at least four hours before your
appointment. If you take water tablets (diuretics), do not take any on the morning of
your appointment, but continue to take any other medication you usually take (unless
your doctor has advised you otherwise).
You will be asked to pass urine which will be tested to ensure that you do not have
an infection in the urine. If you do, your treatment will need to be postponed for one
week while you are treated with antibiotics.
The first course is called the Induction Course and lasts for 4-6 weeks. You will be
asked to come to the Hospital once a week for 6 weeks. Your first treatment will take
up to 2 hours and, depending on how well you tolerate the first treatment, future
visits will take approximately 30 minutes.
Following completion of the Induction Course, you will enter a program of
Maintenance Treatment lasting approximately 1 year which includes several courses
of instillations. The usual scheme includes 1 treatment every month. The main
reason for patients failing to complete the full Maintenance course is disease control.
What happens during the procedure?
A fine plastic tube (called a catheter) will be passed into the bladder and the
medication (approximately half a cup of fluid) will be given slowly through it
(Cystistat, iAluril, Uracyst, Gepan, Hyacyst, DMSO). The catheter will then be
removed. You will be asked not to pass urine for 1 to 2 hours to allow the medication
to treat the bladder lining.
What happens immediately after the procedure?
Ensure that you are clear about what has been done and what is the next move.
Once the treatment has been completed, you will be able to go home.
You should drink plenty of fluids (2-3 litres) for the few days after the treatment.
Some patients find that, for a few days after treatment, a glass of cranberry
juice daily eases any bladder symptoms.
Are there any side-effects?
Most procedures have a potential for side-effects. You should be reassured that,
although all these complications are well-recognised, the majority of patients do not
suffer any problems.
Common (greater than 1 in 10) >10%.
Temporary discomfort on passing urine (this should settle after 1-2 days, a hot
water bottle or painkillers such as Paracetamol should help)
Frequency or urgency
Occasional (between 1 in 10 and 1 in 50) 2-10%.
Nil
Rare (less than 1 in 50) <2%.
Nil
Are there any other important points?
If you think you have a urine infection or if you develop a high temperature with
backache, it is important to contact your GP and get treatment with antibiotics.
Make sure you have a follow up appointment.
Mr J Clavijo MD, FEBU
Consultant Urological Surgeon
St Hugh's Hospital
Peaks Lane.
Grimsby. DN32 9RP
Tel: 01472 251100 / 0800 250070 (Freephone)
Fax: 01472 251130
Secretary: 07547403861
Email: michelle@privateurology.co.uk
Web: www.privateurology.co.uk
Adapted from BAUS. www.baus.org.uk