[Use of botulinum toxin in ORL departments in Germany]

Abstract

Background: There are no regional data about the prevalence and use of botulinum toxin (BoNT) in otorhinolaryngology (ORL) departments in Germany. In order to obtain an overview of the current applications of BoNT in ORL departments a survey was carried out.

Materials and methods: Standardized multi-choice questionnaires were mailed to 150 ORL departments. In the analysis a differentiation was made between university and regional departments. Also an analysis of the whole collective of respondent hospitals was carried out. The most commonly treated indication is the Frey syndrome followed by hypersalivation due to a salivary fistula after parotidectomy, dysphagia, aesthetic application and laryngeal dystonia.

Results: The rate of return was 62% and 75% of all responding hospitals use BoNT as a therapeutic option, especially where "off-label-use" indications are concerned (15 out of 20 indications or 75%).

Discussion: BoNT is widely used as a therapeutic option with an increasing trend. Due to different applications a schedule of hospitals would be helpful in order to be able to find the nearest hospital for the appropriate indications.