Utility of Endoscopic Full-Thickness Resection for Refractory Rectal Bleeding in Chronic Radiation Proctitis

Abstract

Severe rectal bleeding is a rare complication of chronic radiation proctitis (CRP). Given CRP's propensity to involve the full thickness of the rectal tissue, we proposed that endoscopic full-thickness resection may be a successful therapeutic modality for treating CRP. A 76-year-old man with multiple comorbid conditions who was not a surgical candidate presented with severe bleeding secondary to CRP that was refractory to all medical and therapeutic interventions. An endoscopic full-thickness resection was performed, which initially resulted in hemostasis, but the patient ultimately developed recurrent rectal bleeding, and endoscopic resection was determined to be unsuccessful.

Keywords: endoscopic full thickness resection; full thickness resection device; radiation proctitis; refractory rectal bleeding.