News
All the latest news from the Birmingham and Solihull Bladder Clinic.
National Forum hears about the benefits of botox
Urology consultant Zaki Almallah spoke about the benefits Botulinum Toxins
(or botox) injections for bladder problems at a prestigious national meeting.
One hundred and fifty specialists from all over the country met to discuss
the latest advancements in treatments for bladder problems and incontinence.
The meeting*, which took place in London in October 2005, was chaired by
the Channel Four news broadcaster Jon Snow*.
Mr Almallah was one of the first surgeons in the UK to introduce botox for
patients with overactive bladders and urge incontinency.
During the same meeting, Mr Almallah also ran a workshop on the management
of urinary incontinence.
“People often associate botox with beauty treatments without realising
that it brings many very important benefits to many areas of medicines,” explains
Mr Almallah.
“The overactive bladder is caused by muscles which spasm involuntarily.
“We know that botox is highly effective because it Botox blocks the
chemicals which make these muscles spasm.
“Botox paralyses the overactive muscles without harming the normal,
surrounding muscles.
“We have treated 30 patients with botox and found it to be very successful
in terms of treating patients who have not responded to medication.
“From a patient’s point of view, the major benefit is that botox
can be injected, using local anesthetics and this process only takes
a few minutes, although it is likely that it will need to be repeated
after about ten months.”
On the airwaves to advise listeners during Continence Awareness Week
Radio listeners from across the West Midlands were given valuable advice
by urology specialist Zaki Almallah to mark Continence Awareness Week.
More than 40 people called the BBC Ed Doolan Show* for advice from Mr Almallah
about a wide range of bladder problems.
Demand was so great that Mr Almallah has been asked to return to the programme
for a second phone-in to answer more questions.
“It shows how many people there are living with bladder problems who
are not getting the right treatment,” commented Mr Almallah.
“Bladder problems are extremely common and there are many options
available for patients, but people are often reluctant to seek help, or they
are not sure where they should go for help.”
Mr Almallah organised a public information campaign during Continence Awareness
Week, which took place from September 12 to 18.
Members of University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, where Mr
Almallah works in the trust’s leading Urology Department, were invited
to an open morning.
Mr Almallah discussed the causes of bladder problems and treatments available
and members of the public asked questions during a wide-ranging discussion.
“I am really committed to providing a good, comprehensive service
to patients with bladder problems.
“Having specialised in this field for many years, I know what a terrible
impact bladder problems can have on patients’ lives.
“The Bladder Clinic is an important development because it offers
patients all the care they need – from diagnosis, through to many different
types of treatment and follow-up – all under one service, with the
same group of specialist medical professionals.”
*The Birmingham and Solihull Bladder Clinic is by no means suggesting
that it has been endorsed by the organizers of the National Bladder
Forum, Mr Jon Snow or BBC WM.
