Management of Radiation Proctitis

Dig Dis Sci. 2018 Sep;63(9):2180-2188. doi: 10.1007/s10620-018-5163-8.

Abstract

Radiation proctitis is radiation-induced rectal mucositis, occurring as a result of radiation therapy for various pelvic malignancies. The management of radiation proctitis is challenging as guidelines are not currently available, and studies of the various treatment modalities are limited. There are various medical, endoscopic, and surgical measures for treating chronic radiation proctitis. Medical options such as anti-inflammatory agents, antioxidants, formalin application, and hyperbaric oxygen may improve bleeding related to chronic radiation proctitis. Endoscopic measures such as argon plasma coagulation are effective and safe. Surgery is considered for refractory or severe cases. A review and discussion of the different treatment modalities is presented.

Keywords: Endoscopic therapy; Medical therapy; Radiation proctitis; Surgical therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Ablation Techniques* / adverse effects
  • Argon Plasma Coagulation* / adverse effects
  • Digestive System Surgical Procedures / adverse effects
  • Digestive System Surgical Procedures / methods*
  • Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal / adverse effects
  • Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal / methods*
  • Gastrointestinal Agents / adverse effects
  • Gastrointestinal Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Proctitis / diagnosis
  • Proctitis / etiology
  • Proctitis / therapy*
  • Radiation Injuries / diagnosis
  • Radiation Injuries / etiology
  • Radiation Injuries / therapy*
  • Radiotherapy / adverse effects
  • Risk Factors
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Gastrointestinal Agents