Cystoscopy and Intravesical Botox Injection
The Key Things to Know:
Cystoscopy with intravesical Botox injection is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat overactive bladder (OAB) or urinary urgency incontinence that has not responded to medications. Botox helps relax the bladder muscle, reducing urgency, frequency, and leakage episodes.
What It Is
The procedure involves passing a cystoscope (a thin telescope) through the urethra into the bladder under local or general anaesthesia. Small doses of Botulinum toxin (Botox®) are injected
into the bladder wall using a fine needle. The treatment usually takes about 10-20 minutes and is performed as a day procedure.
When It's Needed
This treatment is recommended when: - You have an overactive bladder not controlled by oral medications - You experience frequent urgency, frequency, or urinary leakage - You are seeking an alternative to long-term drug therapy - You have neurogenic detrusor overactivity (e.g., spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis)
Surgery Diagram
Benefits
Reduces urinary urgency, frequency, and leakage
Short, minimally invasive procedure
Can significantly improve quality of life
Repeatable every 6-12 months as needed
Risks
Temporary blood in urine or burning with urination
Urinary retention (difficulty emptying the bladder) - may require temporary self-catheterisation
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Rare allergy or temporary general weakness from toxin spread
What to Expect After the Procedure
You can usually go home within a few hours. You may have mild burning or blood in the urine for a day or two. The effect begins within 1-2 weeks and lasts 6-12 months. Follow-up includes a bladder scan to ensure you are emptying well. Repeat injections can be performed when symptoms return.
FAQs
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Typically 6-12 months, after which the treatment can be safely repeated.
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A small number of patients may have difficulty emptying the bladder temporarily and may need to self-catheterise.
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Discomfort is minimal; local anaesthetic or light sedation is used.
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