Bladder Hydrodistension

Bladder hydrodistension, also known as bladder distension, is a specialised procedure used to diagnose and treat conditions such as interstitial cystitis (IC) or chronic pelvic pain syndrome. The procedure helps assess bladder capacity, which can be crucial in diagnosing conditions like interstitial cystitis. During the procedure, the bladder is filled with sterile fluid to stretch the bladder walls. This process helps to identify abnormal changes in the bladder lining and can provide relief from pain or urinary frequency in some patients.

Bladder hydrodistension is often recommended for individuals experiencing chronic bladder pain or discomfort that has not improved with other treatments. By stretching the bladder, the procedure can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

Also known as: Bladder distension, Hydrodistension

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Everything You Need to Know

Bladder hydrodistension is both a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure, helping doctors better understand underlying bladder issues while offering symptom relief. The procedure is particularly beneficial for those suffering from conditions like interstitial cystitis, which causes chronic bladder pain and increased urinary frequency.

Key benefits include:

Symptom Relief: Hydrodistension can reduce bladder pain and urinary urgency for several months in some patients.
Diagnostic Clarity: It helps doctors to identify any abnormalities in the bladder wall, such as Hunner’s ulcers, which are common in interstitial cystitis. Visualising changes on the bladder wall during procedures like cystoscopy with hydrodistention is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Non-Invasive Treatment: The procedure is minimally invasive and can often delay the need for more invasive surgeries.

This procedure is typically considered after other non-surgical treatments, such as medications and dietary changes, have failed to alleviate symptoms.

Before the Surgery

Consultation

Your first step will be a consultation with a healthcare provider who specialises in bladder conditions. During this consultation, your symptoms, medical history, and any previous treatments will be reviewed. The surgeon will explain the benefits and potential outcomes of bladder hydrodistension, and how the procedure can help diagnose or relieve your condition. It is important to discuss the possible risks of the procedure with your healthcare provider to ensure you understand any potential complications.

Health Assessment

A thorough health assessment will be conducted before your procedure. This may include blood tests, a review of your current medications, and other evaluations to ensure you are fit for the procedure. If you have any allergies or are taking medications that affect bleeding, be sure to inform your doctor during this assessment.

Pre-Procedure Instructions

To ensure a successful procedure, you will be given pre-operative instructions, which may include:

Medication Adjustments: If you are taking medications such as blood thinners, your doctor will advise whether these need to be paused before surgery.
Fasting: You will be required to fast from midnight on the day of your procedure to avoid complications during anaesthesia.
Lifestyle Recommendations: You may be asked to stop smoking and ensure proper hydration leading up to the procedure to support your recovery.
Anaesthesia Information: You will be informed about the type of anaesthesia, including general anaesthetic or general anesthesia, that will be used during the procedure.

During the Surgery

Bladder hydrodistension is a relatively quick and minimally invasive procedure performed by our experienced surgical team in a safe and sterile environment. The bladder wall consists of smooth muscle fibers arranged in various directions. Together, these fibers form the detrusor muscle. This layered structure allows the bladder to expand as it fills with urine.

General Anaesthesia

The procedure is typically performed under general or regional anaesthesia to ensure you are comfortable throughout. the procedure. The bladder is stretched by 60 to 80cm at a low fluid pressure. General anaesthesia can put you to sleep, or regional anaesthesia will numb the lower part of your body, allowing you to remain awake but pain-free.

Surgical Process

During the procedure, your bladder will be filled with sterile fluid to stretch its walls, which allows your doctor to carefully examine the bladder lining and detect any abnormalities. A bladder biopsy may be performed to rule out bladder cancer and assess abnormalities. The fluid is kept in the bladder for a few minutes before being drained. In addition to diagnosis, the stretching of the bladder can help reduce pain or urgency, especially for those with interstitial cystitis.

Monitoring and Recovery

After the procedure, you will be closely monitored in the recovery area to ensure you are comfortable and free from complications. You may experience discomfort when you pass urine, which should subside within a day or two. You may experience some mild discomfort or the need to urinate more frequently in the hours following the procedure, but this typically resolves within a day or two.

After Surgery

Post-procedure care is essential to ensure you recover well and that the benefits of the procedure are maximised.

Immediate Post-Op Care

It is normal to experience some mild bladder discomfort and frequent urination after hydrodistension, but this usually subsides within a few days. You will be advised to drink plenty of water to help flush your bladder and prevent infection. Pain relief may be prescribed to manage any discomfort, and you will receive instructions on how to care for yourself during the recovery period. Additionally, the procedure may offer therapeutic benefits such as pain relief and symptom improvement.

Follow-Up Appointment and Recovery

A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to assess your progress and ensure the procedure has been effective. During this appointment, your urologist will discuss the results of the hydrodistension and provide guidance on managing your symptoms moving forward. In some cases, patients may require repeated procedures to maintain symptom relief.

Appointment and Treatment Plan

Initial Consultation

Your journey begins with a consultation where our urological surgeons will review your condition and explain how bladder hydrodistension could help.

Personalised Treatment Plan

A treatment plan will be tailored to your specific needs, detailing the procedure and any necessary pre-operative preparations.

Pre-Procedure Assessment

Before surgery, a full assessment will be conducted to ensure you are in the best possible health to undergo the procedure, with any necessary blood tests and imaging studies

Bladder Biopsy Procedure

The hydrodistension will be carried out by our expert team in a controlled environment, with the primary goal of alleviating your symptoms and improving your bladder function.

Aftercare and Recovery

Following the procedure, you will be provided with detailed aftercare instructions and attend follow-up appointments to ensure your bladder is healing well and symptoms are being effectively managed.

Top Tips for after bladder surgery

Follow All Instructions: Ensure you follow your doctor’s post-procedure advice to optimise recovery and symptom relief.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps to keep your bladder functioning well and reduces the risk of infection.
Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms and report any unusual changes to your doctor, especially if pain or urinary frequency worsens after the procedure.