Abstract
Purpose of review
To overview the current medical literature on the efficacy of botulism toxin treatment (BTX-A) for lower gastrointestinal disorders (GIT).
Recent findings
BTX-A was found to have a short-term efficacy for the treatment of dyssynergic defecation. Surgical treatment was found to be more effective than BTX-A for the healing of chronic anal fissures, and BTX-A can be considered when surgery is undesirable. Data regarding the effects of BTX-A injection for the treatment of chronic anal pain is limited. Beneficial effects were observed only in a minority of patients. BTX-A treatment was found to be effective for the treatment of obstructive symptoms after surgery for Hirsprung’s disease as well as for the treatment of internal anal sphincter achalasia.
Summary
BTX-A treatment has a short-term efficacy and is safe. Further research is still needed in order to establish the exact place of BTX-A treatment of lower GIT disorders.
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References and Recommended Reading
Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: •• Of major importance
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Dan Carter reports personal fees from Takeda, Abbvie, and Janssen, outside the submitted work. Ram Dickman declares that he has no conflict of interest.
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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Motility
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Carter, D., Dickman, R. The Role of Botox in Colorectal Disorders. Curr Treat Options Gastro 16, 541–547 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11938-018-0205-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11938-018-0205-z