In recognition of the excellent service we provide, our service is accredited by the British Society of Urogynaecology which provides assurance to our patients that they are receiving the best quality of care, which we audit continuously from the beginning to the end of their journey with us. This also provides a quality assurance that the work we are doing is adhering to national guidelines. 80-90% of our tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedures for stress incontinence of urine will be a success for our patients and our ‘quality of life assessment’ 6-months post-operation enables us to review our patients to ensure their operation has improved and enhanced their quality of life, and we are able to evidence these outcomes.
Our service is continuously developing to provide our patients with an enhanced experience with the best outcomes. Part of this is providing patients with specialised care so they have the option to have Urogynaecology procedures locally, rather than travelling to a tertiary centre (a specialised hospital, usually in London) for, as well as ‘one-stop clinics’ so our patients only attend one appointment for investigation and treatment, where possible.
Flexible cystoscopy and injection of Botox for overactive bladder
The Trust now offers patients an alternative option for the relief of their urinary incontinence symptoms that have not responded to tablet medication, using Botox. This is offered as an outpatient appointment, and our patients can normally return home within an hour of coming in for their appointment. This is led by our specialist consultants Mr Gupta and Mr MacDermott at Darent Valley Hospital and the Planned Care Centre, Queen Mary’s Hospital Sidcup.
Bulkamid for stress incontinence
The Trust now offers Bulkamid at Darent Valley Hospital as an outpatient procedure for stress incontinence, using a bulking substance which is injected into the bladder neck, through the urethra to obstruct the flow of urine. The procedure has a 50-60% success rate and patients may require repeat injections. Patients can normally return to work 1-2 days after the procedure.
