Details of Bladder Instillation

A bladder instillation is a procedure in which medication or a combination of medications are instilled into the bladder through a urinary catheter. The instillation is performed in an effort to relieve pain and inflammation. It is done to treat interstitial cystitis that is a chronic condition causing bladder pressure, bladder pain and sometimes pelvic pain.

May include:

• Pelvic pain 
• Vagina or anus pain 
• Urgent urination 
• Pain while having sex 
• Frequent urination

May include:

• Leak in the epithelium 
• Genetic history
• Infection

May be asked for: 

• Pelvic examination 
• Urine tests 
• Cystoscopy 
• Biopsy 
• Urine cytology

A catheter that contains medication will be inserted through the urethra into the bladder. Once inside the bladder, the medication will be released and the catheter removed. The goal is to have the patient hold the medication inside their bladder for 30 minutes to two hours if possible changing positions so that the medication can coast the whole bladder.

May include: 

• Reduced bladder capacity. 
• Lower quality of life. 
• Emotional troubles. 
• Sexual intimacy problems.