[Colitis due to radiation: endoscopic management with heat probe]

Rectal bleeding is a frequent symptom in radiation colitis, and is due to vascular lesions usually confined to the rectum. We present our preliminary experience with the use of the heater probe, in eight patients with radiation proctitis, whose main symptom was rectal bleeding. Six patients had radiation for carcinoma of the cervix and 2 had endometrial cancer. One to four sessions of coagulation were performed with an intensity of 200 to 400 Joules per session. In all patients a good response was obtained, bleeding diminished or stopped completely, with improvement of blood counts and the need for transfusions. We think that heater probe is a good therapeutic alternative, for the management of these difficult complication.