• K Doi, Y Saito, T Nikai, N Morimoto, T Nakatani, and S Sakura.
• Department of Anesthesiology, Shimane Medical University, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo 693-8501, Japan. kdoi@shimane-med.ac.jp
• Reg Anesth Pain Med. 2001 May 1; 26 (3): 271-3.

Background And ObjectivesInterstitial cystitis (IC) is characterized clinically by lower abdominal pain, pain during urination, and increased frequency of urination. Treatment of the symptoms in IC remains challenging. We report effective treatment using lumbar sympathetic block for 2 patients with IC.Case ReportA 63-year-old and 78-year-old woman were diagnosed with IC. Medical therapy with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), anticholinergics, and hydrodistention of the bladder failed to improve their symptoms. Subsequently, a continuous lumbar epidural block using 1% mepivacaine was used in these patients. A transient reduction of the symptoms in both patients was achieved. A lumbar sympathetic block with a neurolytic agent produced almost complete, and long-lasting relief of their symptoms.ConclusionLumbar sympathetic block using a neurolytic agent produced long-lasting pain relief in 2 patients with IC. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2001;26:271-273.

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