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Endoluminal formalin application for haemorrhagic radiation proctitis
Author(s) -
Vyas F. L.,
Mathai V.,
Selvamani B.,
John S.,
Banerjee Jesudason S. R.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
colorectal disease
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.029
H-Index - 89
eISSN - 1463-1318
pISSN - 1462-8910
DOI - 10.1111/j.1463-1318.2006.00950.x
Subject(s) - medicine , radiation proctitis , complication , proctitis , radiation therapy , surgery , radiology , treatment modality , ulcerative colitis , disease
Background Radiation proctitis is a common complication following radiation therapy for pelvic malignancies. This is associated with significant morbidity which adversely affects the quality of life. Local application of formalin has been used effectively in the treatment of radiation proctitis. Methodology Thirty patients with haemorrhagic radiation proctitis who underwent endoluminal application of 4% formalin between January 1998 to October 2002 were followed up prospectively to assess the efficacy of the treatment. Results The follow up ranged from 5 to 36 months (mean 18.1 months). Nineteen (63.3%) patients had complete response to formalin application while 7 (23.3%) patients had partial response. There were 4 (13.3%) failures. No procedure related complication was observed. Conclusion Local application of formalin is a simple, safe, inexpensive and fairly effective outpatient treatment modality for chronic radiation proctitis.