A case of haemorrhagic radiation proctitis: successful treatment with argon plasma coagulation.

Abstract

Argon plasma coagulation (APC) has been used extensively for a wide range of indications in gastrointestinal endoscopy. We describe a case of haemorrhagic radiation proctitis treated successfully with APC. A 54-year-old Japanese woman presented with daily rectal bleeding 4 months after cessation of radiotherapy for uterine cancer. Colonoscopic examination showed friable bleeding teleangiectasias in the rectum. Her haemoglobin level was decreased to 5.4 g/dl, requiring frequent blood transfusions. Endoscopic APC set at 1.2 l/min and 45 W was applied. After four treatment sessions without any complications, the patient showed complete resolution of haematochezia and subsequent haematological improvement. Standard and magnifying endoscopic follow-up revealed complete eradication of the vascular lesions and cicatrization of the treated areas, and mucosal covering with normal crypt lining. Endoscopic APC is an effective and well-tolerated treatment modality for the management of haemorrhagic proctitis.

• Authors: Hajime Isomoto, Hiroaki Hazama, Saburo Shikuwa, Katsuhisa Omagari, Yohei Mizuta, Kunihiko Murase, Ikuo Murata, Shigeru Kohno
• Journal: European journal of gastroenterology & hepatology (Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol) Vol. 14 Issue 8 Pg. 901-4 (Aug 2002) ISSN: 0954-691X [Print] England
• PMID: 12172416 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Argon

Topics

• Argon (therapeutic use)
• Carcinoma (diagnosis, radiotherapy)
• Colonoscopy
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage (diagnosis, etiology)
• Humans
• Laser Coagulation (methods)
• Middle Aged
• Proctitis (diagnosis, etiology, surgery)
• Radiation Dosage
• Radiation Injuries (diagnosis)
• Rectum (radiation effects, surgery)
• Risk Assessment
• Treatment Outcome
• Uterine Cervical Neoplasms (diagnosis, radiotherapy)