This clinical lesson, based on two case histories, illustrates a complication seen after manipulation of the rectal wall in patients who have undergone radiotherapy for localised prostate cancer.
Rectal bleeding, which is feared by patients, can be the first sign of radiation proctitis. Manipulation of the rectal wall, for example by taking biopsies or Argon plasma coagulation, should be done with caution and only if absolutely necessary, because it can lead to fistula formation.
Written by:
van Roermund JG1, de Ridder RJ, Lutgens LC. Are you the author?
Maastricht Universitair Medisch Centrum, Maastricht.
Reference: Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2014;158:A7698.
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 25052354
Article in Dutch.
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