title: Formalin instillation for uncontrolled radiation induced haemorrhagic proctitis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Radiation induced haemorrhagic proctitis is a well recognized complication of pelvic radiotherapy and its treatment is quite challenging.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the efficacy of local instillation of 4% formalin in the management of uncontrolled radiation induced haemorrhagic proctitis.
  
  
  METHODS
  This prospective study included twenty-three patients who underwent formalin instillation. We documented the control of the symptoms, assessed the outcome of the treatment, presence of complications & long term results.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All patients were followed for a median of 13 months. In 15 patients, the bleeding stopped after a single treatment and in 6 after a second session. Only two patients required formalin instillation for the third time. During the follow-up period all patients were reviewed systemically with reference to the pretreatment complaints. No recurrent rectal bleeding occurred, bowel frequency was decreased and no further blood transfusion was required.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Local instillation of 4% formalin is an effective treatment for uncontrolled radiation induced haemorrhagic proctitis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, Medical College, Kolkata, India.
authors.forename: Gautam
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Chattopadhyay
authors.forename: Dipankar
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ray
authors.forename: Saurav
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chakravartty
authors.forename: Subhayan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mandal
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005404:Fixatives; D005557:Formaldehyde / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011349:Proctitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D005404:Fixatives; D005557:Formaldehyde