intravesically

Intravesically is an adverb describing something performed within the urinary bladder. In medical context, it usually refers to administration or instillation of a substance directly into the bladder through the urethra, typically via catheter. The goal is to achieve a high local concentration in the bladder mucosa while limiting systemic exposure.

Intravesical therapy is commonly used in the management of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer and other bladder conditions. In bladder cancer, intravesical immunotherapy with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) or intravesical chemotherapy with agents such as mitomycin C, gemcitabine, or doxorubicin may be used after tumor resection to reduce recurrence and progression. The instilled agents dwell in the bladder for a defined period before being voided or drained, and treatment regimens can include induction and maintenance phases.

Intravesical administration is also used for symptom relief or local treatment of bladder conditions, such as instillations of local anesthetics (for example lidocaine) or anti-inflammatory agents in conditions like interstitial cystitis or intercurrent procedures, as well as antibiotic instillations in selected cases. These applications emphasize localized action and reduced systemic exposure.

Safety and monitoring considerations include procedure-related risks such as urinary tract infection, dysuria, and transient irritative symptoms. Systemic toxicity is rare but can occur with BCG or in patients with mucosal injury. Proper aseptic technique and patient selection are essential.