title: Botulinum toxin type A (Dysport) for the treatment of Zenker's diverticulum.
abstract: The standard treatment for Zenker's diverticulum (ZD) is surgical, but transendoscopic section of the diverticular spur has also been performed with good results. We treated two patients with the injection of 300-350 IU of botulinum toxin type A (Dysport) into the diverticular spur. Both patients were dysphagic because of a large ZD. A few hours after the treatment, the patients were able to return to a normal, nonrestricted diet. They remain symptom-free 12 and 3 months later, respectively. No complications have been observed. As a result of its ease of application and efficacy, this treatment can be recommended for patients who are unable to undergo the surgical operations; it can be considered a valid alternative to the other endoscopic procedures.
authors.affiliation: Diagnostic and Surgical Endoscopy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Via G. Venezian No. 1, 20133 Milan, Italy. spinelli@istitutotumori.mi.it
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Spinelli
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ballardini
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D004945:Esophagoscopy; D005260:Female; D005773:Gastroscopy; D006801:Humans; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016672:Zenker Diverticulum / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D009465:Neuromuscular Agents; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A