Management of Radiation Proctitis

Radiation proctitis occurs in patients subjected to pelvic irradiation and manifests as minor symptoms to debilitating effects. The incidence depends on the type, dose and the volume of rectum irradiated. Acute and chronic radiation proctitis are the two types. Primarily it occurs due to ischemia and vascular damage. Diagnosis is based on the symptoms and the visual endoscopic findings. Systemic and local therapies are used to manage the symptoms and occasionally surgery may also be needed.