Efficacy and safety of Nd:YAG laser for the treatment of bleeding from radiation proctocolitis.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Bleeding due to radiation proctocolitis is a frequent and severe complication of radiotherapy in cancers of the pelvis.

AIM:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic treatment with Nd:YAG laser in this condition.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

A series of 9 patients with radiation-induced damage in the rectum and sigma were treated with endoscopic Nd:YAG laser until significant bleeding stopped and endoscopic features of proctocolitis improved. They received a median of 3 laser treatments (range 1-10) over a maximum time period of 11 months.

RESULTS:

In 4 cases, bleeding ceased and, in 4, it was reduced to occasional spotting. In the remaining patient, laser therapy led to only a transient improvement, but did not modify the requirement of blood transfusion. In the 5 patients also suffering from urgency, incontinence and/or rectal mucoid discharge, the laser therapy course also relieved these symptoms. No significant treatment-related complications were observed.

CONCLUSIONS:

Endoscopic Nd: YAG laser is a useful and safe treatment for patients with bleeding due to radiation proctocolitis.

• Authors: M Ventrucci, M P Di Simone, P Giulietti, G De Luca
• Journal: Digestive and liver disease : official journal of the Italian Society of Gastroenterology and the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver (Dig Liver Dis) Vol. 33 Issue 3 Pg. 230-3 (Apr 2001) ISSN: 1590-8658 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 11407667 (Publication Type: Evaluation Study, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Neodymium

Topics

• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Colonoscopy
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage (etiology, surgery)
• Humans
• Laser Coagulation (methods)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Neodymium
• Pelvic Neoplasms (diagnosis, radiotherapy)
• Proctocolitis (etiology, surgery)
• Prospective Studies
• Radiation Injuries (diagnosis, surgery)
• Risk Assessment
• Treatment Outcome