Dr. Phil Hanno presented the updated AUA Guidelines for the treatment of interstitial cystitis. First announced in 2011, the AUA Guidelines offer a comprehensive yet simple treatment plan for the diagnosis and treatment of interstitial cystitis. Presented in six phases, patients generally begin with Step One Interventions and then slowly work there way through additional levels. The phases are arranged with respect to the risk of adverse events with interventions in Step One considered low risk while the treatments in Step Six (i.e. surgery) are considered high risk. You can read the full discussion of the AUA guidelines here!
In Fall 2o14, a minor update was released that included two key changes.
A. Added to Second-Line Treatments, the AUA encourages the use of manual physical therapy to resolve pelvic, abdominal and/or hip muscular trigger points and connective tissue restrictions. They also strongly state that pelvic floor strengthening exercises (i.e. kegels) should be avoided.
B. Botox was reclassified from a Step Five to a Step Four treatment based upon new research which showed that a lower dose reduced the risk of urinary retention. The patient must, however, still be willing to accept the need for intermittent catheterization for an unknown period of time if the treatment does block their ability to empty their bladders naturally. Granted, that risk is lower but still possible.
Dr. Hanno briefly summarizes the guidelines and discusses the changes in this webcast!
Watch the webcast – http://www.aua2015.org/webcasts/webcast_play.cfm?videoID=1959&agendaid=7293
