Laser therapy of solitary rectal ulcers: a new concept

Fourteen cases of histologically proven benign solitary rectal ulcer were managed with Neodymium: Yttrium-Aluminium-Garnet (Nd:YAG) laser (contact mode) over a three-year period. All patients were symptomatic at presentation (bleeding, mucus or pus discharge per rectum, with or without diarrhoea). Thirteen of the 14 (93%) were relieved of symptoms after a mean of 2.3 sittings of laser (range 1-8). None of the patients had associated rectal prolapse. Successfully treated patients have been followed up for a mean of 14.2 months (two to 25 months) and are symptom free. There was minimal morbidity and no death. Nd:YAG laser excision of benign solitary rectal ulcers is a safe, new and patient-friendly technique.