04 December 2009
Doctors at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust are treating patients who have problem bladders with Botox – a procedure that can drastically improve the lives of patients.
Urology consultant Roger Walker said: "Botox has been used in medicine for many years, and although it’s best known for its use in cosmetic procedures, it can actually help to deal with a number of conditions.
"Botox is used in treating muscle spasms, eye-squints and even excessive sweating. For our patients, Botox can help the bladder to store and retain urine without squeezing and emptying when it’s not supposed to.
"Bladder weakness is a common condition, but it can have a significant impact on a patient’s life. We’re pleased to be offering local people a range of treatments for this sort of problem, giving them the freedom and the peace of mind that everyone deserves.
"Unfortunately, some people feel embarrassed by bladder problems and don’t want to talk about it or get treatment, hoping that the problem will go away. If people come to us, we can help them and hopefully change their lives for the better. The fact is, there are a number of ways of dealing with bladder weakness and Botox is just one of them."
In addition, the urology team has recently invested in a brand new piece of equipment to help diagnose bladder conditions more quickly. The machine, which cost £26,000 and is known as a Phoenix Plus, helps clinicians recognise what’s causing a patient’s problem and the best way to treat it.
Mr Walker said: "The Phoenix Plus is a fantastic machine and it really helps us to get the results we need, quickly."
