title: Botulinum toxin for gastrointestinal disorders: therapy and mechanisms.
abstract: Botulinum toxin has gained widespread acceptance as a treatment option for various spastic gastrointestinal disorders such as achalasia, gastroparesis, sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, chronic anal fissures, and pelvic floor dyssnergia, despite the lack of strong evidence supporting its use in many of these diseases. This review summarizes the trials investigating the use of BoNT since it was first utilized as a treatment in achalasia. BoNT has proven to be safe, but long-term efficacy in many disorders has not been observed, primarily due to is relatively short duration of action. BoNT may be most useful in confirming a diagnosis which can lead to a more definitive treatment modality. Furthermore, its safety profile allows it to be a useful alternative in patients who are at high risk for invasive procedures.
authors.affiliation: Enteric Neuromuscular Disorders and Pain (END Pain) Program, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, 77555-0764, USA.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Vittal
authors.forename: P F
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Pasricha
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001905:Botulinum Toxins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D009465:Neuromuscular Agents; D001905:Botulinum Toxins