title: Gastrointestinal uses of botulinum toxin.
abstract: Botulinum toxin was initially used in medicine to produce a potent neuromuscular blockade. It was later found to interfere with acetylcholine release in the myenteric plexus and inhibit contraction in gastrointestinal smooth muscle, leading to its use in the treatment of various conditions. It is frequently used in the treatment of achalasia in elderly patients who may be poor surgical candidates. It has been used successfully in the management of various conditions, including anal fissure and biliary dyskinesia. Large controlled trials are needed to establish the role of botulinum toxin and its safety in gastroenterology.
authors.affiliation: Baylor College of Medicine, and VAMCHouston, Texas 77030, USA. wquereshi@bcm.tmc.edu
authors.forename: Waqar A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Qureshi
mesh_terms: D018726:Anti-Dyskinesia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001905:Botulinum Toxins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D018726:Anti-Dyskinesia Agents; D001905:Botulinum Toxins