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My bladder, my life

Bladder management

  • Bladder types
  • Starting with catheters
  • Problems
  • Life hacks
  • Inside the bladder
  • Equipment
Inside the bladder
  • Anatomy and physiology of the bladder
    • Anatomy of the bladder
    • Physiology of the bladder
  • Medical procedures for a SCI bladder
    • Urodynamic study
    • Cystoscopy
    • Sphincterotomy
    • Cystolitholapaxy
    • Bladder augmentation
    • Urethral dilatation
  • Medications and other products you may be prescribed
    • Alpha blockers
    • Anticholinergics
    • Botulinum Toxin (BOTOX)
    • Hiprex and vitamin C
    • Cranberry
    • E. Coli
  • Common medical tests for a SCI bladder
    • Urine specimen
    • Fluid balance diary
    • Renal ultrasound
    • CT- Kidneys, ureters, and bladder (KUB)

    Botulinum Toxin (BOTOX)

    Botulinum toxin has a weakening effect on muscles and may be used to treat detrusor over-activity or detrusor sphincter dyssynergia.

    Botox works by blocking the neural signal to the muscle. This then weakens the contraction. Botox may be injected into the urinary sphincter to make it easier for urine to pass (reflex voiding) or it may be injected straight into the detrusor muscle (intermittent catheters).

    The effect of botox is not permanent and usually lasts between 3-6 months. After this time, the injection will need to be repeated for the effect to continue.

    Side effects

    The side effects for botox are minimal as the drug does not enter the bloodstream, it only has a local effect on the muscles.

    There may be interactions with other medications that you are taking and you should discuss these with your doctor.

    Anticholinergics
    Hiprex and vitamin C

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    Quick links

    • Bladder types
    • Starting with catheters
    • Problems
    • Life hacks
    • Inside the bladder
    • Equipment

    About this resource

    This web resource is part of a research project to improve bladder management at the Austin, by increasing the use of intermittent catheterisation.

    The research project is funded by TAC.

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    This research project is brought to you by

    Austin Health
    TAC
    ISCRR
    WorkSafe

    Contacts

    Austin Health
    03 9496 5000
    Victorian Spinal Cord Service
    03 9496 5220
    Spinal Urology Nurse
    03 9496 5904
    spinalurologynurse@austin.org.au
    VSCS outpatient Nurse
    03 9496 5176
    vscsoutpatients@austin.org.au

    Disclaimer

    This information has been developed for Austin Health use and has been specifically designed for Austin Health. This information is intended to support, not replace, discussion with your doctor or healthcare professionals. The authors have made a considerable effort to ensure the information is accurate, up to date and easy to understand. Austin Health accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies, information perceived as misleading, or the success of any treatment regimen detailed on this website. Written information should only be used in conjunction with advice from the health professional who is looking after you.

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