APPLICATION OF FORMALDEHYDE FOR TREATMENT OF HEMORRHAGIC RADIATION-INDUCED PROCTITIS

Radiation-induced proctitis with hemorrhage is not a common complicati on of radiotherapy to the pelvis for carcinoma. In the most severe for ms, massive hemorrhage may necessitate repeated transfusions and inpat ient treatment. In severe cases medical treatment has not been proved effective. Surgery may lead to serious complications and is technicall y difficult. Six patients who showed a hemorrhagic radiation-induced p roctitis have been treated as outpatients with application of formalde hyde 4%. In four cases the bleeding ceased after the first formaldehyd e application; two patients continued to bleed, but another applicatio n of formaldehyde 3 weeks later definitively controlled the hemorrhage . Follow-up evaluation at 12 months showed in each case that the hemor rhage was controlled and treated. There were no complications, such as burns or late stenoses of the deep layers of the rectum. This inexpen sive technique is well tolerated by the patient, gives good long-term results, and is available at every hospital. Local application of form aldehyde 4% to the rectum may be the treatment of choice for hemorrhag ic radiation-induced proctitis.