In a nutshell
This study evaluated OnabotA (onabotulinumtoxinA, botulinum toxin A, or Botox) in the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms after a vaginal sling procedure. Researchers reported similar effectiveness of OnabotA in treating OAB symptoms with or without a previous vaginal sling procedure.
Some background
Vaginal sling procedures are the most common type of surgery used to help control urinary incontinence. Sling procedures are believed to be an effective long-term treatment option. The rate of complications associated with vaginal slings is generally low. However, it is estimated that 6 to 8% of women treated with a vaginal sling will go on to develop symptoms of an overactive bladder (OAB). Bladder muscle overactivity is a common cause of urinary urgency (sudden, compelling desire to pass urine) and incontinence.
OnabotA is a muscle paralyzer often used for the treatment of OAB. It is injected directly into the bladder muscle, causing it to relax and reduce OAB symptoms. Whether OnabotA is effective in women who developed OAB after a vaginal sling procedure has not been fully studied.
Methods & findings
The aim of this study was to compare the effects of OnabotA on OAB symptoms with or without previous vaginal sling procedure.
102 women with OAB symptoms were included in this study. 53 of these women did not undergo a previous vaginal sling procedure (group 1), and 49 women developed OAB after a vaginal sling procedure (group 2). All women received treatment with OnabotA. Treatment outcomes were compared over the course of 12 weeks.
Before treatment, all women experienced at least one episode of urinary incontinence per day. 41.5% of women in group 1 and 38.8% of women in group 2 were fully continent by the end of the study (based on bladder diaries). The number of urgency episodes, incontinence episodes, incontinence pads used, the volume of urine passed, and quality of life were all similarly improved in both groups after treatment.
No significant differences in side effects were noted in the two groups. Residual urine in the bladder was the most common side effect, usually occurring immediately after treatment. Urinary tract infections occurred in less than 4% of women in both groups. Urinary retention (an inability to pass urine) was observed in 4 women.
The bottom line
Researchers concluded that OnabotA is safe and effective in treating OAB symptoms, regardless of previous treatment with a vaginal sling procedure.
Published By :
International urogynecology journal
Date :
Mar 01, 2016
