Abstract | BACKGROUND: 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:
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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)
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Chemical References |
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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
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