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.