BOTULINUM TOXIN (BOTOX)

WHAT IS BOTOX?

Botox is the trade name of botulinum toxin. This is a toxin produced by bacteria called as clostridia.

This toxin works by preventing nerve impulses from reaching the muscle, causing muscle relaxation.

Bladder over activity is caused by nerves sending impulses to the bladder muscle which contracts when it shouldn’t and causes the symptoms such as
urgency, leakage and frequency.

THE PROCEDURE
The procedure is carried out usually under a local anaesthetic.

The Botox is put in the bladder wall by a number of injections, usually 20 to 30.

The Botox may take a few days to become fully effective although many patients get an immediate response.

Prior to the injection you will have been taught to self catheterise as there is a small risk of not being able to pass water following the Botox injections.

HOW LONG WILL THE BOTOX EFFECT LAST?
This varies from patient to patient.
As Botox is a relatively new treatment for bladder over activity there is no long-term information.

We expect patients to remain symptom free for
approximately 6 TO 9 months.

DIVERSE EFFECTS
Adverse effects or side effects are rare and may include
• Generalised weakness
• Flu like syndrome
• Need for self catheterisation to empty the bladder
Even if the above occur they are temporary and not long lasting.

FOLLOW UP
We will ask you to complete some charts and questionnaires at certain intervals following your treatment. We will also be scanning your bladder to
confirm adequate bladder emptying.

If you have any symptom change or questions prior to your follow-up appointments please call us on 02083635598.

REPEATING THE TREATMENT
As the effect of Botox is temporary patients who get good symptom relief may need further treatments for maintaining symptom resolution.

This does not usually carry any additional risk as the primary procedure and does not require an increased dose to get a similar response.

download leaflet for BOTOX
(you will need the adobe acrobat reader)

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