Bladder Instillation Therapy
Bladder Instillation Therapy
A Bladder Instillation is a bladder washing technique that uses medicinal therapy to help painful bladder or cystitis type symptoms including frequency, urgency, burning pain or stinging sensations when passing urine. It works by reducing inflammation and discomfort within the bladder.
How Many Treatments Will I Have?
You will be given an instillation every 2 weeks for 6 weeks and if there is some improvement you will then have monthly instillations until your symptoms resolve. Do not be discouraged if your symptoms are not relieved straightaway it can take 5 or 6 treatments before you see results!
How is Bladder Instillation Treatment Given?
During a bladder instillation, a solution is inserted into the bladder through a catheter. The solution, or “wash,” remains in place for about 10 to 15 minutes before it’s drained. The medications used are Heparin, Lignocaine (lidocaine) and sodium bicarbonate.
You will be asked to pass a sample of urine to ensure that you do not have a urine infection and that your bladder is sufficiently empty prior to instillation. Try not to drink a lot of fluid prior to and after your instillation to prevent dilution of the solution. If you do have an infection- we are not able to give the instillation that day but you will be given another appointment.
A catheter is passed into your urethra and the solution is passed through the catheter into your bladder. If required, an anaesthetic gel can be used. You will need to keep the solution in your bladder for up to two hours. You can go home straight after the instillation.