Treating chronic anal fissure with botulinum neurotoxin

Nat Clin Pract Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2004 Dec;1(2):82-9. doi: 10.1038/ncpgasthep0048.

Abstract

Recent reports confirm that the management of chronic anal fissure has undergone extensive re-evaluation during the past few years. This rejuvenation of interest is attributable to the application of neurochemical treatment, which has contributed to the tendency to treat the disease on an outpatient basis. The use of botulinum neurotoxin seems to be a promising and safe approach for the treatment of chronic anal fissure, particularly in patients at high risk for incontinence. Indeed, botulinum neurotoxin has been successfully used selectively to weaken the internal anal sphincter as a treatment for chronic anal fissure. It is also more efficacious than nitrate therapy, and is not related to the patient's willingness to complete treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Botulinum Toxins / administration & dosage*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Fissure in Ano / drug therapy*
  • Fissure in Ano / physiopathology
  • Fissure in Ano / therapy
  • Humans
  • Neuromuscular Agents / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Neuromuscular Agents
  • Botulinum Toxins