Ten years' experience with botulin toxin in anal fissure

Abstract

Background and aims: Botulin toxin therapy has become established for various indications over the past 20 years. Treatment of anal fissure with botulin toxin began 10 years ago, and since then numerous studies with more than 300 patients have been published.

Results: The healing rate in uncomplicated chronic anal fissure is about 60-80%. The injection is well tolerated, can be administered on an outpatient basis, and causes no chronic lesion of the continence organ. Botulin toxin therefore offers alternative mode for treating uncomplicated anal fissure with increased sphincter tone when conservative measures fail.

Conclusion: Potential candidates for surgery should be aware not only of the risks involved but should also of the existence of an alternative treatment using with botulin toxin.