Related Experiment Videos
[Colitis due to radiation: endoscopic management with heat probe]
D Fuentes1, R Monserat, A M Isern
1Servicio de Gastroenterología, Hospital Oncológico Padre Machado, Caracas, Venezuela.
G.E.N
|July 1, 1993
Summary
The heater probe effectively treated rectal bleeding in patients with radiation proctitis, a common complication of gynecologic cancer radiation therapy. This minimally invasive technique reduced or stopped bleeding, improving patient outcomes and reducing transfusion needs.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
- Medical Devices
Context:
- Radiation therapy for gynecologic cancers (cervical and endometrial) can cause radiation proctitis, leading to significant rectal bleeding.
- Vascular lesions in the rectum are the primary cause of bleeding in radiation proctitis.
- Existing treatments for radiation proctitis may be insufficient for managing severe rectal bleeding.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the preliminary efficacy and safety of the heater probe for treating rectal bleeding in patients with radiation proctitis.
- To assess the impact of heater probe coagulation on symptom severity and transfusion requirements.
Summary:
- Eight patients with radiation proctitis and significant rectal bleeding underwent heater probe coagulation therapy.
- Sessions ranged from one to four, with energy levels between 200-400 Joules.
- All patients experienced diminished or complete cessation of rectal bleeding following treatment.
Impact:
- The heater probe demonstrated a good therapeutic response, significantly reducing rectal bleeding.
- Improved blood counts and a decreased need for blood transfusions were observed in treated patients.
- Heater probe therapy offers a viable alternative for managing radiation-induced rectal bleeding complications.