Botulinum-A toxin as a treatment of detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia: a prospective study in 24 spinal cord injury patients.

PURPOSE: The paralytic effect of botulinum-A toxin injections on the external urethral sphincter was investigated prospectively in patients with neurogenic voiding disorders.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Transurethral versus transperineal botulinum-A toxin injections were performed in 24 spinal cord injury male patients with detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia and the respective efficacy was compared.

RESULTS: In 21 of 24 patients detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia was significantly improved with a concomitant decrease in post-void residual volumes in most cases. Botulinum-A toxin effects lasted 3 to 9 months, making reinjections necessary.

CONCLUSIONS: Although costly, botulinum-A toxin injections, which aim at suppressing detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia but not bladder neck dyssynergia, appear to be a valid alternative for patients who do not desire surgery or are unable to perform self-catheterization.