First UK Experience Using LiNA OperaScope® for Botulinum Toxin Treatment under Local Anaesthesia in Women with Overactive Bladder and a Tolerability Comparison with Previous Smear Test Experience.

BACKGROUND

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a debilitating condition predominantly affecting women. Whilst onabotulinum toxin A (Botox) injections are an effective surgical treatment, they typically require a full surgical team and an operating theatre and carry the risk of anaesthesia. LiNA OperaScope® offers a novel approach, allowing Botox administration in an outpatient setting with the patient in a supine position, eliminating the need for lithotomy, stirrups or surgical assistance. This paper presents the first UK experience with LiNA OperaScope®, assessing its feasibility, comparing patient tolerability with that of previous cervical smear tests and providing a relatable reference for patient counselling.

METHODS

Fifty women with OAB refractory to previous treatments underwent Botox injections under local anaesthesia using LiNA OperaScope® in an outpatient setting. Patient and surgeon feedback, including pain scores and procedural ease, was collected. The pain experienced during the procedure was compared with that of prior smear tests.

RESULTS

The average patient age was 64.8 years (range: 34-88). The cohort was divided into an elderly group (≥75 years) and a younger group (<75 years). The overall pain score for the Botox procedure was 2.2/10, with the elderly group reporting a lower pain score (2.0/10) compared with the younger group (2.3/10). Both groups experienced significantly less pain during the Botox procedure than during smear tests (p < 0.001). The average procedure time was less than 3 min. Two patients developed a urinary tract infection, which was successfully treated with oral antibiotics alone (Clavien-Dindo grade II).

CONCLUSIONS

LiNA OperaScope® is a feasible and viable option for delivering Botox treatment in women with OAB. It is well tolerated, with patients reporting lower pain levels than those during prior smear tests, making it a relatable and effective tool for better counselling of patients on the procedure.