Intravesical botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) injection has been recognized as the standard treatment for refractory overactive bladder (OAB). However, its therapeutic efficacy and safety have not been thoroughly reviewed in elderly patients. This study aims to provide treatment outcomes for patients aged ≥75 years, and to identify factors associated with unfavorable outcomes. Patients receiving intradetrusor injections of 100 U onabotulinumtoxinA for refractory OAB between 2011 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Urodynamic parameters, underlying comorbidities, subjective success, and unfavorable outcomes were assessed. A total of 192 patients were included, and 65 of them were classified into the elderly group. For the elderly group, 60.0% experienced subjective dryness, and 84.6% remained subjective success at 6 months after the injections. The prevalence rates of common unfavorable outcomes, including urinary tract infections, large post-void residual urine volume, and urinary retention, were 9.2%, 27.7%, and 12.3%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that female, baseline urodynamic parameters, and diabetes mellitus were associated with unfavorable outcomes in the elderly group. Intravesical BoNT-A injections provide comparable therapeutic efficacy and safety concerns in elderly patients with refractory OAB. A thorough consultation for treatment benefits and possible adverse events is mandatory before the procedure.
Keywords: aged; botulinum toxins; overactive; postoperative complications; type A; urinary bladder.