Real-life clinical practice of onabotulinum toxin A intravesical injections for overactive bladder wet: an Italian consensus statement

Abstract

Purpose: We developed a consensus on best practice in the real-life management of patients with overactive bladder (OAB) with onabotulinumtoxin A (Onabot/A).

Methods: In March 2015, an interdisciplinary conference was convened. Eleven panelists were invited to review the literature, to present their personal experience and to respond to a number of questions from: "when do we propose Onabot/A treatment" to "when do you decide to re-inject a patient?" A summary of findings of the meeting was provided to all panelists for review and approval.

Results: The following statements were agreed. Refractory OAB can be defined based on lack of adherence to first- and second-line treatments for OAB regardless of the underlying cause. Onabot/A treatment can be proposed to refractory OAB patients provided they are willing to perform intermittent catheterization if needed. Before treatment, uroflowmetry with post-void residual evaluation is needed to rule out voiding dysfunction, while urodynamics should be done in cases of complicated OAB wet. Urinary tract infection should be ruled out or treated before the injection. The injection can be performed in the endoscopy room, in an out-patient basis, with local anesthesia. Antibiotic prophylaxis should be initiated with oral drugs. A first follow-up visit should be planned 10-15 days after treatment and residual urine checked. Retreatment can be decided on patients' request, when symptoms worsen.

Conclusions: This consensus document provides a guide for the management of refractory OAB patients with Onabot/A in real life. A number of questions about the effectiveness of Onabot/A in real life remain open.

Keywords: Botulinum toxin A; Onabotulinumtoxin A; Overactive bladder; Overactive bladder wet; Real-life practice; Urgency urinary incontinence.