What is the best treatment for radiation proctitis?

What is the best treatment for radiation proctitis?

Treatment for proctitis caused by radiation therapy Your doctor may recommend treatments such as: Medications. Medications are given in pill, suppository or enema form. They include sucralfate (Carafate), mesalamine (Asacol HD, Canasa, others), sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) and metronidazole (Flagyl).

How effective is argon plasma coagulation?

Results: At a median follow-up of 11 months, ten patients (83 percent) had a significant reduction in the severity and frequency of bleeding, with complete cessation in six (50 percent).

When do you use argon plasma coagulation?

Argon plasma coagulation (APC) is a medical endoscopic procedure used to control bleeding from certain lesions in the gastrointestinal tract. It is administered during esophagogastroduodenoscopy or colonoscopy.

Can chronic radiation proctitis be cured?

Mild cases of proctitis may heal on their own and not require treatment. Treatment for proctitis depends on its cause. If your doctor determines your proctitis is due to radiation, they may recommend medications that control inflammation, reduce bleeding, and soften stools.

How long will radiation proctitis last?

Acute radiation proctitis presents either during or up to 6 months after completion of radiation therapy. Acute radiation proctitis is essentially collateral damage from the oxygen-free radicals created by the radiation therapy itself.

Is radiation proctitis serious?

Proctitis refers to a condition where the lower colon and/or rectum are inflamed. This inflammation can be so severe that it causes pain and discomfort, and can also interrupt normal bowel functions.

What is argon treatment?

Argon Plasma Coagulation or APC is a heat treatment which can stop small blood vessels from bleeding. You may need more than one treatment to fully treat your symptoms. Consent form. Before you can have the procedure, the endoscopist will need to gain your consent.

What is the advantage of using argon plasma coagulation?

The theoretical advantages of APC include its ease of application, speedy treatment of multiple lesions in the case of angiodysplasias or wide areas (the base of resected polyps or tumor bleeding), safety due to reduced depth of penetration, and lower cost compared with laser.

What is the best natural remedy for radiation proctitis?

Your doctor can help you figure out if probiotics are right for you. Vitamin C, 500 mg; and vitamin E, 400 IU; 3 times daily. One study found that taking vitamin C and E helped reduce symptoms of proctitis caused by radiation therapy.

Is radiation proctitis painful?

What is APC treatment for radiation proctitis?

Rectal bleeding caused by radiation proctitis is difficult to manage. Argon plasma coagulation (APC) is an electrocoagulation technique that appears to be an effective and low-cost alternative to the use of lasers in gastrointestinal endoscopy.

What should I eat after argon plasma coagulation?

It is normal to have discomfort in your throat or oesophagus for a few days after the procedure. You can take painkillers to relieve this. You are advised to go on a soft bland diet for 24 hours. Avoid spicy food.