Botox

Botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections are used in treating bladder disorders, especially in persons with hyperactive bladder or neurogenic bladder dysfunction. Botox injections offer the same results as surgically incising the urethral sphincter, with minimal side effects.

Botox injections are often used as a treatment option for urge bladder incontinence. This medical treatment is recommended for individuals suffering from urination issues or other medical issues that may keep them from functioning normally.

Before the procedure, the patient will undergo a general examination. This allows the doctor to assess the patient’s general medical condition, their medical history, as well as have a conversation about why they want to go forward with the procedure.

The procedure uses general, regional, and sometimes, local anesthesia. In some forms of paraplegia, anesthesia may not be necessary. The doctor will first insert an endoscope through the urethra to perform a cystoscopy. Then, through the use of a specialized needle, botulinum toxin A is injected in up to four places in the urethral sphincter. Alternatively, the needle can be injected in several places on the bladder wall. Patients usually start to see results after 3 to 18 days and last for about six months.

Patients are recommended to drink plenty of fluids to wash out the bladder and urethra following the procedure. The effect of the injection usually lasts for a few months, after which the procedure can be repeated again as needed.

During the first few days after the cystoscopy, some pain may be present during urination due to irritation of the urethra, and there may be small amounts of blood present in the urine. These side effects are usually short-lived and disappear completely.