A comparison of injections of botulinum toxin and topical nitroglycerin ointment for the treatment of chronic anal fissure

Article Abstract:

Injection of botulinum toxin into the anal sphincter appears to more effectively treat chronic anal fissures than topical nitroglycerin. Split skin in the inner anus is often a chronic, painful condition that can require surgical treatment. Researchers compared 25 patients treated with botulinum, which paralyzes the anal sphincter and alleviates anal spasm, and 25 patients who used nitroglycerin ointment for six weeks. The fissures healed in 96% of botulinum-treated patients and 60% of nitroglycerin-treated patients, and 20% of patients using topical nitroglycerin complained of headaches. No patient required anal surgery.

Italy, Evaluation

---

Pharmacologic therapy for anal fissure

Article Abstract:

Medical therapies may offer an alternative to surgery in the treatment of chronic anal fissures. Tears in the anal canal can be extremely painful, and definitive treatment in chronic cases generally requires surgical reduction of anal sphincter pressure. Topical application of nitrates and local injection of botulinum toxin have been shown to improve healing in clinical trials. Comparative clinical trials and long-term follow-up ultimately will determine the value of these treatments in the management of chronic fissures.

Editorial

---

A comparison of botulinum toxin and saline for the treatment of chronic anal fissure

Article Abstract:

Local injection of botulinum toxin may be effective in healing chronic anal fissures. Anal fissures are tears in the anal canal, and persistent contraction of the internal sphincter muscle can prevent them from healing. Researchers treated 30 patients with botulinum toxin or placebo. The fissures healed in 11 of 15 botulinum-treated patients and 2 of 15 placebo-treated patients. Botulinum toxin may weaken the anal muscles, like surgical treatment, but temporarily and with fewer complications.

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: A randomized trial of ofloxacin versus cefoxitin and doxycycline in the outpatient treatment of acute salpingitis
• Abstracts: A comparison of endothelium-dependent relaxation in omental and myometrial resistance arteries in pregnant and nonpregnant
• Abstracts: Drug interactions and protease inhibitor therapy in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. Protease inhibitors
• Abstracts: Multicenter comparison of clotrimazole vaginal tablets, oral metronidazole, and vaginal suppositories containing sulfanilamide, aminacrine hydrochloride, and allantoin in the treatment of symptomatic Trichomoniasis
• Abstracts: The impact on families of pediatric resident departure from a continuity clinic practice. The Pediatric Continuity Experience: Do Academic Sites Still Have a Role?

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.