Local formalin instillation: an effective treatment for uncontrolled radiation-induced hemorrhagic proctitis.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of local instillation of 4% formalin in the management of uncontrolled radiation-induced and ischemic hemorrhagic proctitis.


METHODS
Eight patients were reviewed. Operation characteristics, morbidity and long-term results were analyzed.


RESULTS
All patients were followed for a median of 18 months. In 5 patients the bleeding stopped after a single treatment and in 3 after a second one. During follow-up no recurrent rectal bleeding occurred, no further medical treatment was needed and in all patients the complaints had disappeared.


CONCLUSIONS
Local instillation of 4% formalin is an effective treatment for uncontrolled radiation-induced and ischemic hemorrhagic proctitis.
Ouwendijk
R
R
Department of General Surgery, IJsselland Hospital, Capelle a/d IJssel, The Netherlands.
Tetteroo
G W M
GW
Bode
W
W
de Graaf
E J R
EJ
D000285:Administration, Rectal; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003029:Coagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005557:Formaldehyde / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011349:Proctitis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D003029:Coagulants; D005557:Formaldehyde