Clinical Trial – Comparison Between Two Different Parameters of Argon Plasma Coagulation in the Treatment of Chronic Radiation Proctitis: Historical Control Trial.
There is a wide variability of options for treatment of chronic radiation proctitis. However,
studies are still limited, usually case reports from a single center and few are comparative
studies between methods. Therefore, the choice of treatment is determined by availability and
local expertise for each method. The variability of treatment options range from
anti-inflammatory medical treatment, sucralfate, short chain fatty acids, antioxidants and
hyperbaric oxygen to such endoscopic and surgical treatments. Surgery is usually the last
therapeutic option due to the high morbidity and mortalityassociated. Various endoscopic
treatment modalities have been reported. Formalin topic is effective in up to 48% of patients
with chronic radiation proctitis.
The endoscopic treatment with argon plasma (APC) is low cost, easy to apply and
transportation, safe and effective in the treatment of rectal bleeding in patients with
chronic radiation proctitis. Currently, the APC is the preferred endoscopic modality.
Most studies on the use of APC in radiation proctitis showed benefit. The APC controls the
mild to moderate rectal bleeding in 80% to 90% of cases and improves symptoms of urgency,
diarrhea and tenesmus in 60% to 75% of cases.