💉 Botox Injection for Urinary Incontinence Expertise of Dr. Yasir Iqbal

Botox (Botulinum toxin type A) is an FDA-approved treatment for overactive bladder (OAB) and neurogenic bladder, especially when oral medications (like anticholinergics or beta-3 agonists) fail or cause side effects.

🔍 Conditions Treated

1. Overactive Bladder (OAB)

   • Urgency

   • Frequency

   • Urge incontinence

2. Neurogenic Detrusor Overactivity (NDO)

   • Seen in conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS) or spinal cord injury (SCI)

   • Results in involuntary bladder contractions due to nerve damage

⚙️ How the Procedure Works

🔬 Mechanism of Action:

Botox blocks the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. In the bladder:

• It relaxes the detrusor muscle

• Reduces involuntary contractions

• Increases bladder storage capacity

• Delays urgency and reduces leakage episodes

🏥 Procedure Steps

1. Preparation:

   • Typically done under local anesthesia, sedation, or short general anesthesia

   • Antibiotic prophylaxis is often given to reduce the risk of UTI

2. Injection:

   • A cystoscope (camera) is inserted into the bladder via the urethra

   • 100–300 units of Botox are diluted and injected at 10–30 sites into the bladder wall (excluding the trigone to avoid reflux)

3. Recovery:

   • Usually an outpatient procedure

   • Mild burning during urination for a day or two is common

📊 Effectiveness

• 70–80% of patients experience significant improvement in symptoms

• Reduces urgency, frequency, and urge incontinence

• Effects last about 6–9 months, and injections can be repeated as needed

🧑‍⚕️ Who is a Candidate?

• Adults with OAB who failed or couldn’t tolerate medications

• Neurogenic bladder patients with involuntary contractions

• Adequate cognitive ability to recognize complications (like retention)

• Willingness to use a catheter if needed

💉 Botox Injection for Urinary Incontinence

Botox (Botulinum toxin type A) is an FDA-approved treatment for overactive bladder (OAB) and neurogenic bladder, especially when oral medications (like anticholinergics or beta-3 agonists) fail or cause side effects.

📝 Summary

Botox injection into the bladder is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment for urinary incontinence due to OAB or neurogenic causes, especially when medications fail. It's temporary and repeatable, but patients must understand the small but real risk of urinary retention.