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Management of Radiation Proctitis

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Abstract

Radiation proctitis is radiation-induced rectal mucositis, occurring as a result of radiation therapy for various pelvic malignancies. The management of radiation proctitis is challenging as guidelines are not currently available, and studies of the various treatment modalities are limited. There are various medical, endoscopic, and surgical measures for treating chronic radiation proctitis. Medical options such as anti-inflammatory agents, antioxidants, formalin application, and hyperbaric oxygen may improve bleeding related to chronic radiation proctitis. Endoscopic measures such as argon plasma coagulation are effective and safe. Surgery is considered for refractory or severe cases. A review and discussion of the different treatment modalities is presented.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    Lameese Tabaja & Shafik M. Sidani

  2. Lerner School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA

    Lameese Tabaja & Shafik M. Sidani

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  1. Lameese Tabaja
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Correspondence to Lameese Tabaja.

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Tabaja, L., Sidani, S.M. Management of Radiation Proctitis. Dig Dis Sci 63, 2180–2188 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-018-5163-8

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