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Purpose: Patients with bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) can have pain as a main symptom and overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms that are directly or indirectly related to a major mechanism that causes pain. The primary purpose of this study is firstly to identify the prevalence rate of OAB symptoms in patients with BPS/IC, secondly to identify changes in OAB symptoms after low-dose triple therapy, and thirdly to build a theoretical foundation to improve quality of life for patients. Methods: Patients who met the inclusion criteria of BPS/IC through basic tests including the O’Leary-Sant symptom index, overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS), and visual analog scale (VAS) were identified. Treatment-based changes in OAB symptoms were identified using the IC Symptom Index and IC Problem Index (ICSI/ICPI), OABSS, and VAS before, and 4 and 12 weeks after low-dose triple therapy. Results: The patients consisted of 3 men and 20 women, and their mean age was 61.9 years (41.0–83.2 years). Comparing values before treatment, and 4 and 12 weeks after treatment (baseline vs. 4 weeks to baseline vs. 12 weeks), the rates of improvement were as follows: ICSI, 44.2% to 63.7%; ICPI, 46.9% to 59.4%; OABSS, 34.3% to 58.2%; and VAS, 53.6% to 75.0%, which showed statistically significant differences (P0.05). Conclusions: Low-dose triple therapy in BPS/IC results in a clear decrease in OAB symptoms in the first 4 weeks after treatment, and additional treatment for 8 weeks had a partial effect with varied statistical significances depending on the questionnaires.

The most common cause of vesicovaginal fistulasis injury to the bladder at the time of surgery. The operation most frequently responsible for vesicovaginal fistula formation is hysterectomy. The first successful transvaginal approach to vesicovaginal fistula repair was reported by Sims in 1838. Although many surgical procedures exist, there is no best approach for all patients with vesicovaginal fistula. However, it is an essential surgical principle that the fistulous tract and scar should be excised completely. Here we report our technique using a transurethral pointed electrode for the treatment of multiple, small vesicovaginal fistulas and its outcome.

There are 3 surgical treatments for the management of post-prostatectomy incontinence, including endoscopic injection of periurethral bulking agent, perineal sling procedure, and artificial urinary sphincter (AUS). 4 patients with post-prostatectomy incontinence in our hospital underwent sling procedure using polypropylene mesh. All patients were evaluated for urodynamic result, pad count, operative time, hospital stay, complication, success, and satisfaction. Mean age was 67.8years (64-75). Mean follow-up time was 38.5months (30-51). 2 patients underwent radical prostatectomy, and other 2 patients underwent transurethral prostatectomy. Of the 4 patients, 3 (75%) were successful. In satisfaction, 2 (50%) were unsatisfied due to recurrent incontinence and erectile dysfunction. The male sling procedure using polypropylene mesh is a simple, effective treatment and an additional therapeutic option. (J Korean Continence Soc 2008;12:81-87)