A case of haemorrhagic radiation proctitis: successful treatment with argon plasma coagulation

Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2002 Aug;14(8):901-4. doi: 10.1097/00042737-200208000-00018.

Abstract

Argon plasma coagulation (APC) has been used extensively for a wide range of indications in gastrointestinal endoscopy. We describe a case of haemorrhagic radiation proctitis treated successfully with APC. A 54-year-old Japanese woman presented with daily rectal bleeding 4 months after cessation of radiotherapy for uterine cancer. Colonoscopic examination showed friable bleeding teleangiectasias in the rectum. Her haemoglobin level was decreased to 5.4 g/dl, requiring frequent blood transfusions. Endoscopic APC set at 1.2 l/min and 45 W was applied. After four treatment sessions without any complications, the patient showed complete resolution of haematochezia and subsequent haematological improvement. Standard and magnifying endoscopic follow-up revealed complete eradication of the vascular lesions and cicatrization of the treated areas, and mucosal covering with normal crypt lining. Endoscopic APC is an effective and well-tolerated treatment modality for the management of haemorrhagic proctitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Argon / therapeutic use
  • Carcinoma / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma / radiotherapy
  • Colonoscopy
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / diagnosis
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Laser Coagulation / methods*
  • Middle Aged
  • Proctitis / diagnosis
  • Proctitis / etiology*
  • Proctitis / surgery*
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Radiation Injuries / diagnosis*
  • Rectum / radiation effects
  • Rectum / surgery
  • Risk Assessment
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / radiotherapy

Substances

  • Argon