[A retrospective study of 91 injections of botulinus toxin into the upper sphincter of the oesophagus].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the results of botulinus toxin in dysphagia arising in the upper sphincter of the oesophagus.


METHODS
Since June 1995, 64 patients have had botulinus toxin injected into the upper sphincter of the oesophagus for major swallowing disorders. All cases were treated in the dysphagia service, and underwent clinical assessment, video-swallow screening, and swallowing therapy. The patient cohort included various pathological groups--neurological (vascular accident, head injury, cranial nerve disorders, degenerative diseases), postoperative (surgery for carcinoma of the laryngo-pharynx), and functional, whether purely idiopathic or attributable.


CONCLUSIONS
Global analysis of the results shows that botulinus toxin has good efficacy in relaxing the upper sphincter of the oesophagus; this does not always lead to recovery of normal swallowing, but can bring about improvement by assisting in the therapeutic management of the swallowing problem, and in improving the dietary intake.
Verhulst
J
J
jacques.verhulst@wanadoo.fr
Amé
P
P
Guatterie
M
M
Barat
M
M
Traissac
L
L
D000368:Aged; D018726:Anti-Dyskinesia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001905:Botulinum Toxins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004576:Electromyography; D004943:Esophagogastric Junction / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D018726:Anti-Dyskinesia Agents; D001905:Botulinum Toxins