What is Hydrodistention?
Hydrodistention, also known as bladder hydrodistention, is a minimally invasive procedure used by urologists to diagnose and manage certain bladder conditions, most notably interstitial cystitis (IC), also referred to as painful bladder syndrome. This treatment involves carefully filling the bladder with fluid to expand it, allowing for a detailed examination and potential relief from symptoms.
Why is Hydrodistention Performed?
Hydrodistention primarily serves two purposes:
Diagnosis: It allows your urologist to thoroughly inspect the bladder wall for abnormalities such as inflammation, ulcers, or lesions, which can indicate conditions like interstitial cystitis.
Symptom Relief: For some patients, stretching the bladder provides temporary relief from symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and chronic pelvic pain.
What Happens During the Procedure?
Hydrodistention is typically performed under general or regional anesthesia in an outpatient surgical setting. The procedure steps are as follows:
The patient is comfortably anesthetized to ensure they feel no pain.
A cystoscope is a thin, flexible tube with a camera, and it is inserted through the urethra and into the bladder.
Sterile fluid is slowly infused into the bladder to gently expand it.
The urologist examines the bladder lining carefully, identifying any abnormalities.
After a thorough inspection, the fluid is drained, and the procedure concludes.
Recovery Time after Hydrodistention of the Bladder
Recovery following hydrodistention is generally swift, with most patients returning home the same day. However, patients might experience temporary symptoms such as:
Mild discomfort or burning sensation during urination.
Increased frequency or urgency in urination.
Slight pelvic soreness or abdominal tenderness.
Typically, these symptoms resolve within a few days to a week. Complete hydrodistention of the bladder recovery time is usually brief, with patients resuming normal activities within a few days. Your urologist will provide specific aftercare instructions and recommendations to ease any discomfort and promote swift healing.
Benefits of Choosing Advanced Urology of Atlanta
At Advanced Urology of Atlanta, our expert team of Atlanta specialists offers state-of-the-art procedures tailored to your unique needs. Our transparent approach ensures you are fully informed, including clear surgery pricing that eliminates unexpected financial concerns.
To learn more about our surgery pricing, please visit our detailed information page: Surgery Pricing.
