The use of botulinum toxin for the treatment of gastrointestinal motility disorders.
Botulinum toxin type A is used extensively for the management of gastrointestinal smooth muscle disorders. This review is a comprehensive summary of the current status of this therapy. It includes English-language research from 1966 to 2003 and relevant abstracts from subspecialty meetings from the past 3 years. Botulinum toxin appears to be beneficial for achalasia, gastroparesis, sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, anal fissure and anismus. Very few placebo-controlled trials have been performed despite widespread use of toxin for the past 10 years. Botulinum toxin appears to be safe and side effects are uncommon. Despite uncontrolled data, botulinum toxin is now used for a variety of spastic disorders of GI smooth muscle. In some instances this therapy may preclude the need for more invasive treatments. Controlled trials are needed.
Friedenberg
Frank
F
Gastroenterology Section, Department of Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. friedfk@tuhs.temple.edu
Gollamudi
Satya
S
Parkman
Henry P
HP
D018726:Anti-Dyskinesia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001905:Botulinum Toxins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005769:Gastrointestinal Motility / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans
D018726:Anti-Dyskinesia Agents; D001905:Botulinum Toxins