Botulinum toxin injection for internal anal sphincter achalasia after pull-through surgery in Hirschsprung disease

Medicine (Baltimore). 2019 Nov;98(45):e17855. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000017855.

Abstract

Botulinum toxin (Botox) was introduced for the management of internal anal sphincter (IAS) achalasia after a pull-through procedure in Hirschsprung disease (HD). We conducted a prospective evaluation of the efficacy and safety of this Botox treatment.Our study group included 15 patients with HD (median age, 4.8 years; range, 1.7-7.4 years) who experienced persistent constipation after pull-through surgery. Rectal biopsy and colon study were performed before Botox injection to exclude agangliosis. Intersphincteric Botox injections (dose, 4 IU/kg) were performed at 3 sites, (3, 6, and 9 o'clock) under general anesthesia. Measured outcomes of efficacy included anorectal manometry, Wexner constipation score and the quality of life score for defecation, measured at baseline and at 2 weeks and 3 months after injection. The Holschneider incontinence score and an assessment of pain, bleeding, heating sensation, and swelling were also performed at follow-up as outcomes of safety.There was no significant change in measured outcomes with Botox treatment. Botox did decrease the number of patients who experienced abdominal distension at 3 months, compared to 2-weeks, post-injection. No major complications were identified, with only 2 cases of anal bleeding that resolved spontaneously. Local tenderness at the injection site was reported by 4 patients, recovering without treatment.The efficacy of Botox, injected into the IAS, for the treatment of achalasia is questionable on short-term follow-up. Larger studies with a longer follow-up period and the use of repeated injections are required to evaluate the evidence for this treatment.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Anal Canal / abnormalities*
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A / administration & dosage*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Constipation / drug therapy*
  • Constipation / etiology
  • Female
  • Hirschsprung Disease / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Injections
  • Male
  • Muscular Diseases / complications
  • Muscular Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Neuromuscular Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Postoperative Complications / drug therapy
  • Prospective Studies
  • Quality of Life
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Neuromuscular Agents
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A

Supplementary concepts

  • Anal Sphincter Myopathy, Internal