Ketamine entered Hong Kong as a club drug in 2000. The first case of urinary cystitis related to ketamine was reported in 2007. Ketamine-related lower urinary tract symptoms include frequency, urgency, nocturia, dysuria, urge incontinence, and occasional painful hematuria. Frequent urination is the most common symptom in ketamine abusers. The complications of ketamine abuse on the urinary system include: upper urinary tract pathologies such as hydronephrosis, other complications involve neuropsychiatry, hepatobiliary, and gastrointestinal system. Quitting ketamine is expected to gradually improve the above-mentioned symptoms, and continuous abstinence is also the key to recovery. Both drugs and surgery are feasible treatment options. Our team has formulated a four-level treatment plan to conduct preliminary non-invasive evaluation and treatment on these patients.
Self-assessment of overactive bladder symptoms: https://bit.ly/3voTG8D
Urological assessment and treatment: Youth Urological Treatment Centre (YUTC)
More information about complications of ketamine abuse:
- Management of complications of ketamine abuse: 10 years’ experience in Hong Kong
- Substance abuse effects on urinary tract: methamphetamine and ketamine
- Management of Complications of Ketamine Abuse
Illustration by @bowlful.of.rice
