What Researchers Did
Researchers ran an observational clinical trial in 12 patients with both interstitial cystitis and fibromyalgia, giving two cycles of 20 HBOT sessions each at 2 ATA for 90 minutes, measuring quality of life, bladder function, and cystoscopy results before and 6 months after.
What They Found
Most outcomes did not improve significantly. However, bladder capacity during hydrodistension improved significantly (409 mL to 489 mL, p < 0.05). Cystoscopy showed regression of Hunner ulcers and petechiae, suggesting tissue-level healing despite limited symptom relief.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadian patients with treatment-resistant interstitial cystitis, this small study offers modest encouragement that HBOT may improve bladder tissue health and capacity, even if symptom relief is incomplete. It supports further research rather than routine clinical use.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified.
Study Limitations
The study had only 12 patients, no control group, and retrospective trial registration -- all of which severely limit the strength of conclusions.