Role of Colonoscopy in Management of Symptomatic Chronic Radiation Proctopathy (CRP) after Pelvic Radiotherapy (PRT): A Clinico-endoscopic Study

CRP is an unfortunate dreadful complication of PRT. This work represents an experience in management of CRP presented with haematochezia. A total of eligible 27 patients with a histopathologically confirmed CRP referred for management of haematochezia Patients were subjected to thorough history taking, clinical examination, traditional laboratory investigations and colonoscopic evaluation. Enrolled patients were interviewed and their symptoms were recorded prior to and after therapy and graded based on RTOG/EORTC for rectal toxicity scales. Patients were treated with ERBE Argon Plasma Coagulator ICC 200 (Tubingen, Germany) in the emergency setting and further weekly basis. Resolution of the haemorrhagic lesions and haematologic improvement occurred after performing a total of 54 sessions. Minor adverse effects [(8/27(29.62%)] were observed in the first week and no serious complications including symptom relapse within one year follow-up.