[Subjective patient satisfaction after injection of botulinum-a toxin in detrusor overactivity].

PURPOSE: The established treatment for overactive detrusor function consists of anticholinergic drugs. But this treatment can fail or produce intolerable side effects. We therefore investigated the effect of botulinum-A toxin in treating overactive detrusor function in patients with neurogenic and nonneurogenic bladder dysfunction. We were particularly interested in patient satisfaction with this therapy.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

The subjects were 38 patients who had overactive detrusor function of different origins and in whom therapy with anticholinergic drugs had failed. To measure results, we used urodynamic studies and a questionnaire that consisted of 27 validated questions ("Urogenital Distress Inventory UDI-6", "Symptom Severity Index" and "Symptom Impact Index") as well as a satisfaction questionnaire. We injected 200 - 300 U of botulinum-A toxin (Botox) cystoscopically.

RESULTS

At least 4 weeks after injection, 90 % of the patients reported clear improvement of their voiding situation and 93 % stated that they would undergo this procedure again. The frequency of micturition decreased by 29 % in average, and the increased postvoid residual volume was clinically irrelevant. Patients reported side effects or complications in 6.7 % of cases. The satisfaction scale (0 - 10) averaged 6.9. Urodynamically, reflex volume increased by 85 %, maximal bladder capacity increased by 47 %, and bladder pressure decreased by 33 %.

CONCLUSIONS

Botulinum-A toxin injection into the overactive detrusor muscle seems to be very effective. The effect is not only reflected in urodynamic studies but also in the subjective patient satisfaction.