Abu Dhabi - UAE: During May and June 2008, Dr Mario Patricolo, Consultant Pediatric Surgeon and Pediatric Urologist at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), successfully performed the first procedures of botulinum toxin A injection into the urinary bladder of three children. These cases are considered to be the first procedures using this new technique for pediatric patients in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Botulinum toxin A was previously used at SKMC only for adult cases, but this approach also offers a reliable and minimally invasive alternative for the treatment of urinary incontinence in children with neurogenic bladder.
In July 2007, Dr Patricolo joined the Pediatric Surgery Team, led by Dr Mohamed Hobeldin. Dr Patricolo was formerly Consultant Pediatric Surgeon and Urologist at the Royal London Hospital, London, UK and at Bambino Gesu' Children Hospital of Rome, Italy.
Dr Patricolo has explained "Botulinum toxin A has been used internationally for the successful treatment of urinary incontinence and overactive bladders when conventional medications and other therapies are ineffective. Botulinum toxin A injection is an ideal treatment method for pediatric patients with bladder problems caused by nerve-related problems such as overactivity, congenital abnormalities of the spine (spina bifida), or traumatic spinal injuries as well as bladder dysfunction unrelated to the nervous system. The use of botulinum toxin A has also been applied in some cases with functional vesical obstruction when the bladder and the bladder sphincter do not function in a coordinated manner".
He added "the intravesical injection of botulinum toxin A is an endoscopic technique; therefore it can be approached through a telescope with very low risk for side effects. The procedure is performed as a same day operation with the child going home with his or her family on the day of the procedure. The beneficial effects last 8 to 12 months in children and can lead to reduction or interruption of otherwise needed oral medications".
"It is worth mentioning that these first three cases have been reviewed at their follow-up appointments, and all have experienced improvement of their urinary continence", Dr Patricolo said.
Dr Scott Strong, Acting CEO of SKMC commented that, "We are very proud that SKMC was the first to introduce this new technique. It illustrates our commitment to deliver state-of-the-art medical practices. Minimally invasive approaches such as the botulinum toxin A injections have well positioned us as an institution that allows its surgeons to advance the standard of care for their patients."
Dr Michel Bussieres, Chair of Surgery Department at SKMC, said that "Surgical procedures at SKMC are advanced and meet internationally recognized standards of excellence. We have performed during the first six months of year 2008 around 3400 minor and major procedures in addition to 250 cardiac surgeries for pediatric patients and adults".
More cases are already scheduled at SKMC for botulinum toxin A injection and the results of this technique will be discussed in Abu Dhabi during an International Conference on the Neurogenic Bladder, organized by SKMC and Abu Dhabi Health Services Company - SEHA that will take place in March 2009.
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About SKMC
Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), located in Abu Dhabi, UAE, operates under the management of Cleveland Clinic, named one of the top three hospitals in the USA by U.S. News and World Report. SKMC is owned by SEHA, the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company, recently established to oversee operations of all public hospitals in the Emirate. SKMC is the flagship institution for the public health system in Abu Dhabi and has several 'Centers of Excellence,' and aspires to practice contemporary medicine comparable to the best hospitals and medical centers in the world. SKMC provides comprehensive health care services in all of the disciplines relevant to the needs and priorities of the community to attain the highest levels of patient satisfaction.
SKMC consists of a 550-bed Acute Care Hospital and 14 specialized outpatient clinics accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI). In addition, SKMC manages a 120-bed Behavior Sciences Pavilion, a 90-bed Rehabilitation Center, 9 primary healthcare centers and 2 dental centers distributed over the city of Abu Dhabi.
© Press Release 2008
