[Botulinum toxin injection for neurogenic and no neurogenic bladder dysfunction]

Botulinum toxin A (BT A) has gained popularity among urologists in the treatment of detrusor muscle dysfunctions. The aim of this article is to review our experience with this therapy

From 2001 we used BT A in 28 patients. It was injected in the bladder wall under cystoscopical vision. We analyze the indication of treatment, clinical data and urodynamics before and after treatment.

We treated 28 patients. 71 percent had neurogenic hyperreflexic bladder, 18% idiopathic unstable bladder and 11% other diseases. No direct complications were observed. Neurogenic hyperreflexic bladder (n = 20): Mean preoperative bladder capacity was 220 cc, improving to 430 cc after treatment. Non inhibited contractions disappeared. All patients except one with multiple sclerosis, who had spontaneous voiding, required self catheterization after injection. Average time interval between injections was 8.6 months. Idiopathic unstable bladder (n = 5): a lower dose was used, with an average of 100 U. Non inhibited contractions disappeared and all patients were able to maintain spontaneous voiding with post void residuals under 50 ml. No patients required self catheterization. Bladder capacity improved from 128 ml to 370 ml. Average number of voidings per day diminished from 16 to 7 times. Other diseases (n = 3): results were poor in these patients. There were no changes in either bladder function studies or average voiding frequency (15 times per day). These patients required surgery for bladder augmentation in 2 cases and continent diversion in 1 case.

BT A has a role in the treatment of neurogenic hyperreflexic bladder diminishing incontinence and improving bladder capacity. In cases of idiopathic unstable bladder without anatomical changes its results are promising, but a limited number of patients does not allow a definitive conclusion. In other bladder diseases with anatomical changes results are poor and its use should not be routinely recommended.