Seventeen patients with non-infectious chronic cystitis (NICC) (9 with interstitial cystitis, 6 patients with radiation cystitis,
1 with chemocystitis and 1 with lupoid cystitis) were treated with electromotive administration of intravesical lidocaine
and dexamethasone followed by hydrodistension of the bladder. Complete resolution of symptoms for an average of 7.5 months
was observed in 11 patients (65%), partial improvement in 4 (23.5%). In this series no complications occurred. Electromotive
drug administration (EMDA) and cystodistension were well tolerated by all patients. The treatment was performed on an outpatient
basis, thus reducing therapeutic costs. The results presented demonstrate that the combination of EMDA and bladder hydrodistension
is an effective first-line treatment for NICC patients.
Keywords Electromotive drug administration-EMDA - Interstitial cystitis - Radiation cystitis
EDITORIAL COMMENT: Electromotive drug administration is a new therapy being evaluated by these researchers for non-infectious
chronic cystitis (interstitial and radiation-induced cystitis). Traditional drugs and hydrodistension are used with the addition
of this new modality. Randomized controlled trials are necessary to see if the initially good results of 65% cure can be confirmed.