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Stanford Health Care

Botulinum Toxin for Digestive Disorders

What Are Botulinum Toxin Injections?

Botulinum toxin injections (Botox®) offer a safe alternative to patients with advanced esophagus disorders who can't have or don't want a minimally invasive procedure.

Botox® injections work by interfering with nerve signals to the muscle tissue in your esophagus and releasing an enzyme to help them relax. This procedure improves the movement of food and liquids into your stomach by:

  • Helping you swallow with ease
  • Increasing strength and flexibility in the ring of muscles in your lower esophagus that control the opening to your stomach (lower esophageal sphincter)

Botox® is a natural substance but also a strong toxin. You may be anxious about having this substance injected into your esophagus, but you can relax knowing this procedure is very common and brings immediate results. In fact, most patients feel better after their first treatment.

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Esophageal Spasms: AnnMarie's Story
Play Video | 1:46
Esophageal Spasms: AnnMarie's Story
After an injury, AnnMarie experienced painful esophageal spasms. She sought out John O'Brien Clarke, MD at the Stanford Health Care Esophagus Center, who worked with her to find the best treatment plan. They used Botulinum Toxin Injections (Botox®) to ease her painful symptoms and improve her quality of life. Botox injections work by interfering with nerve signals to the muscle tissue in your esophagus and releasing an enzyme to help them relax. This procedure calms the muscles of the esophagus and improves the movement of food and liquids into your stomach. Learn More: Stanford Esophagus Center: https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-clinics/esophagus-center.html John O'Brien Clarke, MD: https://stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/c/john-clarke.html Information on Botulinum Toxin for Digestive Disorders: https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-treatments/b/botulinum-toxin-for-digestive-disorders.html

Neurogastroenterology and Motility Disorders Program

Stanford gastroenterologists offer world-class care for patients with rare motility disorders involving the nervous system and digestive tract.
Stanford Medicine Outpatient Center
420 Broadway Street, Pavilion D, 2nd Floor
Redwood City, CA 94063
Phone: 650-736-5555
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