Bladder pain syndrome remains the focus of much debate and discussion, and this will continue in the future. This book is the second edition of Interstitial Cystitis which was published three decades ago. Given that a lot has happened in the intervening years, this update has been long overdue. Although small in appearance, this book of 175 pages is absolutely packed with in-depth information.
The topics are presented in a unique format where each discussion is followed by a set of questions, ‘what did we get right?’, ‘where were we off base?’, ‘what seminal publications changed our thinking?’ and ‘where do we go from here?’. A good deal has been written in recent years about the terminology, phenotyping, taxonomy, and the diagnostic pitfalls for what is often viewed as a heartsink diagnosis. All this and more has been covered here by a number of eminent authors who have expertly amalgamated current evidence and clinical experience to provide clarity on some difficult aspects. The role of histopathology and identification of specific histological features to look out for is covered in detail, with separate chapters dedicated to individual aspects of treatment such as intravesical therapies, hydrodistension, Botox injections, oral medication and emerging treatments. Unresolved aspects of the condition are addressed within separate, easily digestible chapters where complementary or competing aspects are presented and come together when read in continuity.
I particularly appreciated the chapter on historical perspectives, which shows just how much perceptions and concepts have evolved since the early descriptions of Guy Leroy Hunner and Howard Kelly, and identifies the key milestones which have brought us to where we are today. This book will be of interest to all practitioners involved in the care of this difficult and prevalent condition.
