Hyderabad: The use of botulinum toxin to relieve pain in the bladder or pelvic muscle spasm has shown a positive outcome in controlled trials published in the Regional Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine. This could pave the way for better treatment of the disease, which otherwise depends on hormonal therapy, opioids and painkillers.
The study was carried out in women who were in their pre- and post-menopause stage and reported of experiencing pelvic floor spasm or bladder pain.
Dr Ruma Sinha, senior gynaecologist at Apollo Hospitals, explained, “Presently, botulinum toxin is used in a very small diluted dose for the treatment of bladder pain which is based on these trials. We are using this for those patients who have taken hormonal therapy and medication and still complain of pain. But there is a need for more studies on the long term outcomes of endometriosis pain.”
There are multiple modalities used for relief as the pain is debilitating and hampers the quality of life. The trial was on a small number of patients where the long-term outcomes and follow-up would give better insights.
Dr Geeta Naidu, senior gynaecologist, said the disability during these painful times was one of the major problems faced by women as they have difficulty carrying out normal day-to-day work. “This affects them not only physically but also mentally and most of them get addicted to painkillers to relieve themselves of the pain.”
