THE DEVELOPMENT OF A TREATMENT PROTOCOL FOR PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC RADIATION-INDUCED RECTAL BLEEDING

Backgrounds and Methods: This study reviews the clinical features and reports the preliminary results of treatment of 34 consecutive patient s with clinically significant bleeding from chronic, radiation-induced proctitis, using a combination of endoscopic YAG Laser and the applic ation of topical formalin dressings to the rectal mucosa. Results: Ble eding ceased in 25 patients (74%); bleeding continued but occurred onl y slightly and occasionally in five patients (15%); and three patients required operation to control the bleeding (9%). One patient relapsed after treatment and died while receiving a further transfusion. Concl usions: This experience has been used to develop a management protocol for patients with this serious complication.