Treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity with botulinum toxin A: the first seven years.

INTRODUCTION: This retrospective study describes the results of botulinum toxin A detrusor injections following a fixed protocol in 216 patients with untreatable neurogenic detrusor overactivity and incontinence. A comparison is made between the two preparations currently available, and the efficacy of multiple treatments is studied. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Botox 300 MU (mouse units) or Dysport 750 MU were injected into the detrusor wall in 365 sessions in 216 patients. The average age of the 144 men and 72 women was 32.3 years. Patients were investigated before treatment and at 6 weeks and 6 months after treatment. Maximal detrusor pressure, detrusor compliance, reflex volume and cystometric capacity were recorded. Use of anticholinergics and patient satisfaction were ascertained from questionnaires. Appropriate statistics were applied. RESULTS: All urodynamic parameters improved. The use of anticholinergics decreased substantially. No differences were noted between the two preparations. The incontinence situation improved markedly. The effect of the treatment was noted after about 2 weeks and lasted for about 9 months. CONCLUSIONS: Botulinum toxin A treatment in neurogenic detrusor overactivity patients is effective, long-lasting and repeatable. The treatment is minimally invasive and might be considered as an alternative to high-dosage anticholinergic medication.

[A rare complication of transrectal electrostimulation for sperm retrieval]. / Das ist doch kein Beinbruch?! Eine seltene Komplikation der transrektalen Elektrostimulation zur Spermagewinnung.

In men who wish to have children after a spinal cord injury, assisted ejaculation is frequently needed for sperm retrieval. Transrectal electrostimulation (TES) is often used for this purpose. Typical side effects of TES are autonomic dysreflexia or pain. In a 33-year old man with complete tetraplegia below C6 since 2004, TES caused massive leg spasticity, leading to transcervical fracture of the femoral neck. This previously unreported complication of TES demonstrates that, in men with long-term chronic tetraplegia, spasticity and osteoporosis, TES in anesthesia should be taken into consideration.