The injection of botulinum toxin A, or botulinum A, into the bladder for treatment of urological disorders including overactive bladder and urinary incontinence.
Botulinum toxin injection – bladder, Botulinum toxin A, Onabotulinum toxin Type A, Intradetrusor Injection, Bladder Botox®, Name Brand - Botox®
Botulinum A injections are done in office using a cystoscope and local anesthetic to treat any discomfort during treatment. If a patient prefers, injections can also be performed in an OR setting with deep sedation. The patient is typically able to return to their regular activities following treatment.
Botulinum injections are used to treat overactive bladder and urinary incontinence, which typically occur in congruence with one another.
Overactive bladder, or OAB, is a common ailment that affects as many as 30% of men and 40% of women in the United States.
Urge incontinence, frequent or urgent urination, urinary incontinence
Common symptoms include:
If experiencing these symptoms, a urologist can help diagnose and treat the issue.
Once injected into bladder muscles, Botulinum A works by relaxing the muscles to stop contractions. By stopping bladder muscle contractions, there is a marked reduction in urinary urgency, frequency and incontinence as a result.
Following treatment, symptom relief is generally experienced within 2 to 3 weeks, with mild improvements possible within 48 hours of treatment. A majority of patients will be able to return to daily activities, though some discomfort and cramping may be felt.
No, overtime the effectiveness of injections will wear off, but maintenance treatments can help maintain effective treatment. Maintenance can be done every six months or longer depending on each individual patient and severity of condition.
Though low, the most common side effects include temporary cramping, urinary tract infection, urinary retention, muscle weakness and blood in urine.
Overactive bladder (OAB). Overactive Bladder (OAB): Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment Urology Care Foundation. (n.d.). Urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/o/overactive-bladder-(oab)
