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    Botulinum toxin type A injections into the urethral sphincter for idiopathic chronic non-obstructive urinary retention

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    Description:

    Difficulty passing urine or being unable to completely empty the bladder (urinary retention) can happen if the muscle controlling release of urine from the bladder (urethral sphincter) does not relax. In some people, it can happen without any known cause (idiopathic) and with no physical obstruction to the urine flow (non-obstructive).

    In this procedure, botulinum toxin type A is injected into the urethral sphincter. The aim is to relax it and allow urine to be passed more easily, without needing to use a catheter to empty the bladder. The effects are temporary, and the procedure may need to be repeated every few months.