Until recently interstitial cystitis was considered a urologic curiosity, a rare problem with relatively specific diagnostic criteria that many urologists would see only once or twice in a decade. This has changed drastically in the last ten years. Interstitial cystitis is now a very controversial subject that has ignited the interest of physicians in general, urologists in particular, basic scientists and even government agencies. It is a potentially much more common and more devastating disorder (or group of disorders) than had been believed. The exponential growth in clinical and basic research is largely due to the efforts of patient groups who demanded that more attention be paid to this problem. We owe them a debt of gratitude for putting interstitial cystitis in the spotlight and quite literally under the microscope. In this book we have attempted to put together the current views of experts from around the world regarding the many aspects of this disorder. It is hoped that we can provide an image of where we stand as we enter the 1990s. If the book can stimulate other physicians and basic scientists to enter this exciting field of research, and if it can provide hope to the many thousands of patients who suffer from this disease, we will consider it a success. Acknowledgement This book is dedicated to the Interstitial Cystitis Association and its hundreds of members who have contributed so much of their time and effort toward making this disease less of a mystery.

Section 1 Introduction

1 Interstitial Cystitis: An Introduction to the Problem
2 Historical Perspectives
Section 2 Epidemiology and Etiology
3 Epidemiology of Interstitial Cystitis: 1
4 Epidemiology of Interstitial Cystitis: 2
5 Interstitial Cystitis: Animal Models
6 Etiology: Etiologic and Pathogenic Theories in Interstitial Cystitis
Editorial Comment Etiologic Theories: Deficiency of the Bladder Lining
Section 3 Diagnosis
7 Light Microscopic Findings in Bladders of Patients with Interstitial Cystitis
8 Pathology of Interstitial Cystitis
9 Mast Cells and Interstitial Cystitis
10 Diagnosis of Interstitial Cystitis: A Clinical, Endoscopc and Pathologic Approach
11 Neurourologic Evaluation in Interstitial Cystitis
12 Hydrodistension and Intraoperative Urodynamics
Editorial Comment The Clinical Evaluation of Patients with Painful Bladder Disease
Interstitial Cystitis
Section 4 Management
13 Pharmacotherapeutic Goals in Interstitial Cystitis
14 Intravesical Therapy of Interstitial Cystitis
15 Subcutaneous Heparin in the Treatment of Interstitial Cystitis
16 Urine Eosinophil Cationic Protein in Painful Bladder Disease
17 Use of Pentosanpolysulfate in the Management of Interstitial Cystitis
18 Use of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in the Management of Chronic Interstitial Cystitis
19 Reappraisal of Transurethral Resection in Classic Interstitial Cystitis
20 Treatment of Interstitial Cystitis with the Neodymium:YAG Laser
21 Partial Bladder Denervation in the Treatment of Interstitial Cystitis in Women
22 Surgical Therapy of Interstitial Cystitis
Editorial Comment Substitution Cystoplasty in the Management of Interstitial Cystitis
Addendum. Summary of the 1989 AUA Podium Section on Genitourinary Infection:Interstitial Cystitis.