Botox used as 'revolutionary treatment' for incontinence

An innovative new use of botulinum toxin is now being put into practice by a group of private hospitals in the UK, as an anti-aging medicine for the treatment of patients with urinary incontinence.

A condition which often affects people who suffer from common neurological complaints such as MS (Multiple Sclerosis), and post-menopausal women, urinary incontinence can have a significant impact on quality of life.

Mr Mike Swinn, consultant urologist at Spire Gatwick Park Hospital, said: "Botulinum toxin has been shown - in multiple clinical trials - to be an effective solution for the vast majority of patients."

Botox has fast become one of the most popular procedures performed by cosmetic anti-aging physicians worldwide.

He explained: "Botulinum toxin works by reducing the bladder muscle spasms which trigger urinary incontinence. To establish whether this treatment is suitable, a simple test is performed to determine the patient's uro-dynamic pressure.

"Thereafter, 90 per cent of patients respond positively to treatment and a single treatment controls the problem for up to average of nine months, before being repeated."

At present, the procedure is performed under general or local anaesthetic.