Medical Reports: Botox for Bladder

WSVN -- There was a time Eleanor Silverman couldn't get through a TV show without running to the bathroom several times.

Eleanor Silverman, Overactive Bladder Patient: "The incontinence increased and was getting worse and worse and worse."

In fact, it got so bad she was afraid to leave her home.

Eleanor Silverman: "I had no life. There was no life, there was no life."

Dr. Angelo Gousse, Prof. of Urology, UM Miller School of Medicine: "Approximately 33 million Americans suffer from overactive bladder."

Experts say the condition affects both men and women. There are three main symptoms: urgency, meaning patients don't feel they have enough time to make it to the bathroom. Frequency, often going to the bathroom more than 10 times a day and incontinence.

Dr. Angelo Gousse: "Involuntary leakage associated with failure of the patients to have enough warning prior to reaching the restroom."

Now there is new hope for patients. Botox, known for smoothing away wrinkles is being studied to treat overactive bladder.

Dr. Angelo Gousse: "The Botox relieves the problem by relaxing the muscles of the urinary bladder and diminishing the sensation of the bladder."

Meaning, patients don't constantly feel the need to go. Here's how it works: Doctors at the University of Miami numb the patient, then a tiny needle is threaded through a flexible instrument called a cystoscope. The needle is passed through the urethra, and then Botox is injected into different areas of the bladder. The entire procedure only takes a couple of minutes.

Dr. Angelo Gousse: "They can go back to work or their usual activity right after the procedure."

The Botox treatment lasts up to six months.

Dr. Angelo Gousse: "So far, this is the best and simplest solution for long term overactive bladder."

Eleanor says the Botox injections have given her her life back .

Eleanor Silverman: "It's given me back my dignity, it's given me back my pride."

Botox for overactive bladder is expected to be approved by the FDA in the next year or two. Patients can still enroll in the study at UM.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

UM Miller School of Medicine
Botox for the Bladder
Research Office:
Tel: (305) 243-7207