We present a salutary lesson learned from three cases with significant complications that followed anorectal intervention in the presence of radiation proctitis due to prior radiotherapy for adenocarcinoma of the prostate.
After apparent routine rubber band ligation for painful haemorrhoids, one patient developed a colo-cutaneous fistula. Following laser coagulation for radiation proctitis, one patient required a pelvic exenteration for a fistula, while another developed a rectal stenosis. Those diagnosing and treating colonic conditions should be mindful of the increased prevalence of patients who have had radiotherapy for prostate cancer and the potential for complications in treating these patients.
Written by:
Thornhill JA, Long RM, Neary P, O'Connor HJ, Ryan B, Fraser I. Are you the author?
Department of Urology, AMNCH, Tallaght, Dublin 24.
Reference: Ir Med J. 2012 Mar;105(3):91-3.
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 22558821
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