A randomized, single blind, non-inferiority clinical study was performed evaluating the efficacy and safety of AbobotulinumtoxinA vs. IncobotulinumtoxinA intradetrusor injections in women with overactive bladder and urge urinary incontinence. Also the effect of local anesthesia on pain level of the procedure was assessed.

In the described prospective, clinical trial, approved by the National Medical Ethics Committee (protocol number: 0120-44/2018/5; date of approval: 22/02/2018), female patients were enrolled, followed by signed informed consent.

Before treatment patients underwent history and physical examination. Before botulinum toxin injection each patient completed three questionnaires, UDI-6 (Urogenital Distress Inventory), IIQ-7 (Incontinence Impact Questionnaire), I-QOL (Incontinence Quality of Life). The total score of each questionnaire was considered. Before botulinum toxin injection, urinalysis was performed to check for a urinary tract infection (UTI). For those presenting with UTI, treatment was postponed until the UTI was treated and a repeat urinalysis was performed. Nitrofurantoin 100 mg twice daily per os was given prophylactically on the day of the procedure. Patients were randomised to receive either 300 units of AbobotulinumtoxinA (Dysport®) or 100 units of IncobotulinumtoxinA (Xeomin®). They were further randomised to receive local anesthesia or placebo. 30 minutes before the procedure the bladder was instilled with either 40 ml 1% lidocaine solution using a 16Fr urethral Foley catheter or with 40 ml 0.9% NaCl solution. All patients received urethral lubrication gel. Using rigid cystoscopy, normal saline was used to dilute the vial to 20 ml. A total of 20 evenly distributed intradetrusor injections, 1 ml per site, were performed, 2 of them included the trigone area. During the procedure the patients graded the pain level of every injection on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). All patients were treated in an outpatient clinic and by one experienced surgeon.

After 1 to 2 weeks patients were seen for evaluation of systemic side effects, physical examination, measurement of residual urine and urinalysis to eventually diagnose and treat a urinary tract infection. After 4 months patients were seen to evaluate the treatment result and complete the questionnaires, IIQ-7, UDI-6, patient satisfaction survey and I-QOL. Side effects were monitored for 5 months after the procedure.

Inclusion Criteria:

• female, age between 18 and 90, presence of urinary urgency with urgency urinary incontinence, residual urine below 150 ml, previous non-pharmacological conservative treatments (e.g., pelvic floor muscle training) inefficiency, anticholinergic or beta-3 agonist treatment inefficiency.

Exclusion Criteria:

• patients that already have received treatment with botulinum toxin, pregnancy or breast- feeding and any diseases or functional abnormalities that might affect bladder function. Patients with stress urinary incontinence.

We intend to publish a research article in 2024. All supporting information will be shared with the journal.

We intend to publish a research article in 2024. All supporting information will be shared with the journal.

Access will be provided by the journal.