Argon beam coagulation for treatment of symptomatic radiation-induced proctitis

Background: Radiation proctitis is a complication of radiotherapy for malignant pelvic disease. Argon beam coagulation is a new and rapidly evolving technology that permits a “no-touch” electrocoagulation of diseased tissue. Methods: We analyzed retrospectively the records of 7 patients with prostat...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Gastrointestinal endoscopy 1999-04, Vol.49 (4), p.515-518
Main Authors: Fantin, Amedeo C., Binek, Janek, Suter, Walter R., Meyenberger, Christa
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Biological and medical sciences
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Laser Coagulation
Male
Medical sciences
Proctitis - etiology
Proctitis - surgery
Radiation Injuries - surgery
Radiotherapy Dosage
Retrospective Studies
Stomach, duodenum, intestine, rectum, anus
Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases
Surgery of the digestive system
Time Factors
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Summary:Background: Radiation proctitis is a complication of radiotherapy for malignant pelvic disease. Argon beam coagulation is a new and rapidly evolving technology that permits a “no-touch” electrocoagulation of diseased tissue. Methods: We analyzed retrospectively the records of 7 patients with prostatic and endometrial cancers treated with irrradiation (median radiation dose was 6840 cGy, range 2400 to 7200 cGy). The median time to onset of symptoms after the conclusion of radiotherapy was 20 months (range 16 to 48 months); symptoms consisted of rectal bleeding and tenesmus in all patients. The patients underwent argon beam coagulation after colonoscopic evaluation. The usual treatment interval was 3 weeks (range 1 to 3 weeks). Results: A median of 2 treatment sessions (range 2 to 4) was necessary for complete symptom relief. All interventions were well tolerated without complications. During follow-up (median 24 months, range 18 to 24 months), there was no recurrence of symptoms (bleeding, tenesmus). Conclusions: Argon beam coagulation is a safe, well tolerated, and effective treatment option in symptomatic radiation proctitis.
ISSN:0016-5107
1097-6779
DOI:10.1016/S0016-5107(99)70054-4