[Hyperbaric oxygenation in the treatment of patients with interstitial cystitis: clinical and morphological rationale].

We studied efficacy of hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) in 8 patients with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS). Mean age of the patients was 53 years (35-72 years), mean duration of the disease 7.5 years (6-17 years). Ulcerative IC/PBS was diagnosed in 7 of 8 patients. The patients received combined treatment: surgical (hydrobouginage of the bladder, electrocoagulation of bladder ulcer) and a HBO course in the postoperative period. The efficacy was assessed by clinical and morphological criteria (estimation of histamine level in urethral smears, proliferative activity of bladder mucosa epithelial cells). A HBO course consisted of 10 sessions (40 min, 2 atm). The treatment reduced the number of voidings for 24 hours, increased mean effective bladder volume, lowered a total score by L. Parsons scale, histamine content in urethral smears, stimulated proliferative activity of bladder mucosa epithelium. Thus, HBO proved its safety and effectiveness in combined treatment of IC/PBS.