Treatment option for Female Stress Incontinence
Why am I having this done?
Botox is used to treat an overactive bladder when medication such as Oxybutynin or Vesicare (Solifenacin) has been ineffective or has caused side effects.
Before contemplating using Botox, we usually perform urodynamics to accurately assess your bladder. Botox is an effective treatment, performed under a general anaesthetic at Grace Hospital.
What is involved?
- Once you are asleep, a cystoscope (telescope) is inserted into your urethra and up to the bladder. The Botox is injected in multiple sites under the lining of your bladder.
- At the end of the procedure, your bladder is emptied and you go to the Recovery Room.
- The procedure takes about 30 minutes.
What happens after the operation?
- This procedure is a day stay procedure; you will not have to stay overnight.
- You may experience some minor discomfort when you pass urine. Once you have done this, are comfortable, and the nursing staff are happy, you will be free to go home.
- We will review you at Bay Urology 6-8 weeks after your procedure.
What are the Risks of the Procedure?
- Botox works by acting on the nerves on the bladder that cause bladder irritability. The worse case scenario is that the Botox works too well, and the bladder does not contract, making you unable to pass urine. This is a very uncommon occurrence, but if it occurs, we would instruct you how to pass a catheter to empty your bladder. This is a temporary phenomenon, and your bladder will return to emptying normally.
- The other main risk with Botox is that its beneficial effects are not permanent, and will wear off with time. This usually occurs 9-12 months after treatment. Botox injections can be repeated if/when this occurs.
