Hyperbaric Oxygenation in Recurrent Rectal Bleeding in the Background of Radiation Proctitis

Abstract

Radiation proctitis is a complication of radiation therapy used in the treatment of pelvic malignant tumors. The leading clinical symptom of this kind of late radiation complications is recurrent rectal bleeding, leading to the development of anemia. Despite the availability of modern drugs, conservative treatment methods remain ineffective, and minimally invasive endoscopic technologies are not applicable in all cases and can lead to the development of complications in the form of ulcers and fi stulas. About 20 years ago, the world scientifi c community recommended hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) as a method of treating late radiation damage to the rectum. However, this technique has not been widely used.  We have presented the experience of treating the successful use of HBO in the treatment of a 50-year-old patient with chronic radiation proctitis complicated by recurrent rectal bleeding. Conservative and endoscopic methods of treatment in this patient were ineffective. This clinical observation demonstrates that HBO is an effective method of treating rectal bleeding associated with radiation proctitis.