Suite 4.4 Epworth Freemasons, 124 Grey Street, East Melbourne Victoria 3002, Australia
Phone 03 9347 9911
bulkamid
Inpatient Procedure
What is Bulkamid?
Bulkamid hydrogel is a transparent polyacrylamide gel consisting of 97.5% non-pyrogenic water and 2.5% cross-linked polyacrylamide. It is bio-compatible, non-re-absorbable, migration resistant, non-allergenic and micro-article free. Tissue hardening is unlikely to occur.
What problems does it fix or improve?
There are many causes or types of urinary incontinence. Some people with stress incontinence have a urethra which is open at rest even when the bladder is only partly full. In this condition, exertion can cause urine to fall or spurt through the urethra. These leakages are not always felt when they occur but can be demonstrated by tests called fluoroscopic urodynamics.
Women or men with stress incontinence may respond to this treatment. It is very common to improve with Bulkamid injections, but only particular sub-types are likely to have a response which gets rid of their leakage entirely. The sub-type is determined with urodynamic testing and Prof O’Connell and staff will inform you of the probability of it being effective in your case.
How does it help exertion-related leakage (also known as stress incontinence)?
The goal of therapy is to bring about an effective seal of the inner lining of the urethra so that all surfaces on the inner aspect of the urethra are closed or “coated”. Normally, the urethra is closed at rest and only opens when the bladder contracts. This latter process is generally not affected by injection into the top part of the urethra just below the bladder neck.
You may have other urinary problems that also require treatment or need to be considered separately such as medications for an overactive bladder or antibiotics for infection.
Where is the procedure performed?
The inpatient procedure takes place at Epworth Freemasons Hospital or Melbourne Private Hospital under local anaesthetic. No fasting is required and there are no restrictions to activities afterwards.
If you are taking anti-coagulation medication (e.g. Warfarin), you should cease this five days prior to the Bulkamid treatment. It is important that you discuss this with the doctor who prescribes this medication for you.
What is involved during the procedure?
Using a cystoscopic set specifically engineered for Bulkamid injections, a small cystoscope (a very small flexible telescope approx 3mm in diameter) is passed into the bladder. You will be able to watch your treatment on the television monitor. In addition to the anaesthetic gel that has been given, a precise pinpointed injection of local anaesthetic is placed in the urethral wall. At this location, when you are comfortable (within a few seconds), the Bulkamid is placed. A dose of antibiotic will also be given prior to the procedure to prevent infection.
How long does the procedure take?
The procedure takes approximately 15 minutes, however, allowing time for admission and discharge from the Day Procedure Unit, you should allow approximately 1.5hrs.
Are there any complications?
After any telescopic procedure, there can be a little bleeding. Thus, there may be a slight amount of blood in the urine. This settles within a day or two. Some minor discomfort may also be associated but significant discomfort is rare. Occasionally urgency or even urge incontinence occurs after a Bulkamid injection. This usually settles spontaneously although sometimes treatment is required, this is almost always short term.
Can I exercise after the procedure?
It is recommended to avoid vigorous exercise for at least 24 hours following the procedure. This allows time for the injection side at the urethra to heal.
How many injections will I have to stop the problem?
It is possible to predict how many injections will be required to some extent and the effect that is likely. You will be given guidance about this at the time of consent with Prof O’Connell. Typically, patients require between one and two separate treatments.
What is the follow up after an injection?
You will be given a questionnaire at the time of the procedure which you are asked to complete and return to Prof O’Connell four weeks post-treatment. Upon receipt of this information, the practice nurse will assess your progress and will be contacted should there be any recommendation.