Intrasphincteric Injection of Botulinum Toxin in Patients with Achalasia.
- Author:
Young Woon CHANG
1
;
Sung Bae LEE
;
Hyung In YANG
;
Deog Yoon KIM
;
Seok Ho DONG
;
Hyo Jong KIM
;
Byung Ho KIM
;
Jung Il LEE
;
Rin CHANG
Author Information
1. Division of Gastroenterology, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- MeSH:
Acetylcholine;
Botulinum Toxins*;
Esophageal Achalasia*;
Esophagus;
Humans;
Muscle, Skeletal
- From:Korean Journal of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
1998;18(3):297-302
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND/AIMS: Botulinum toxin(Botox) has long been known as one of the most potent paralytic agents of skeletal muscle, and acts by inhibiting the acetylcholine release from nerve terminals. Recently lacally injected Botox has been found to be effective in the reduction of lower esophageal sphincter(LES) tone in patients with achalasia. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of Botox on patients with achalasia in terms of symptomatic relief and improvement of esophageal function. METHODS: Nine patients with achalasia were given endoscopic injections of 100 units of Botox into the LES. One week later, the response to treatment was assessed on the basis of changes in the symptomatic scores, maximal diameters of esophagus clilation on esophagograms, and results of esophageal manometric and scintigraphic studies. Three months later, the symptomatic scores and esophageal manometric results were assessed. Responders to Botox were defined as patients with a decrease in the total symptom score of 50% or more at 1 month of past-treatment without a subsequent treatment.
