Interstitial cystitis in The Netherlands: prevalence, diagnostic criteria and therapeutic preferences.

PURPOSE We determine the prevalence of interstitial cystitis in The Netherlands, and analyze the most common diagnostic and therapeutic approaches among Dutch urologists. MATERIALS AND METHODS A questionnaire was completed by urologists and analyzed with the help of a statistical computer program. RESULTS The prevalence of interstitial cystitis was calculated to be 8 to 16/100,000 female patients. Pathology of bladder biopsies and the presence of mast cells were the main diagnostic criteria. Dimethyl sulfoxide instillations, bladder hydrodistension and surgery were the most frequently applied therapies. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of interstitial cystitis in The Netherlands is in line with that of other reports from Europe but low compared to the United States findings. The importance of pathology and the presence of mast cells in the diagnosis, as well as less awareness might contribute to this difference.