Endoscopic treatment for chronic radiation proctitis

Abstract

The preferred method in detection and staging of chronic radiation proctitis is colonoscopy. Moreover, endoscopy is used widely in treating patients with this disease. The main goal of endoscopic techniques is hemostasis and elimination of vascular transformations. This includes formalin application, band ligation, various types of laser irradiation, bipolar coagulation and cryotherapy. However, these methods are associated with relatively high risk of complications, whereas argon plasma coagulation and radiofrequency ablation are effective, relatively safe techniques for chronic radiation proctitis and well tolerated by patients.