Botulinum toxin treatment of urethral and bladder dysfunction.
There has been tremendous excitement with the use of botulinum toxin for the treatment of various urethral and bladder dysfunction over the past several years. Botulinum toxin is the most lethal naturally occurring toxin known to humankind. Why, then, would an urologist want to use this agent to poison the bladder or urethral sphincter? In this article, we will review the mechanisms underlying the effects of botulinum toxin treatment. We will discuss the current usage of this agent within the urologic community and will provide perspectives on future targets of botulinum toxin.
Smith
Christopher P
CP
Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia 15213, USA.
Somogyi
George T
GT
Chancellor
Michael B
MB