[Effects of botulinum toxin type A in the single and repeated treatment of overactive bladder. A prospective analysis]

Quality of life (QoL) is negatively affected by the symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB). Standard treatment is the administration of anticholinergics, which are associated with nasty adverse effects. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the efficacy of singular and repeated botulinum-A toxin (BTX-A) injections in the bladder detrusor muscle in patients suffering nonneurogenetic OAB.Forty patients with OAB were treated with 500 mouse units of BTX-A (Dysport). Subjective satisfaction, micturition data, side effects, and the duration of effect were evaluated prospectively. The median follow-up was 9 months. The mean daily frequency decreased in 81% (p0.001) of the patients, and nocturia decreased in 68% (p=0.009). The mean duration of effect until recurrence of OAB symptoms was 6 months. Using a visual analogue scale, subjective improvement in QoL was achieved in 83% of patients. Except for temporary urine retention in four cases, no severe side effects occurred.The results of our prospective study show that the endoscopic application of BTX-A is a safe and highly effective treatment option for patients with OAB refractory to conventional treatment.