title: The pitfalls of treating anorectal conditions after radiotherapy for prostate cancer.
abstract: We present a salutary lesson learned from three cases with significant complications that followed anorectal intervention in the presence of radiation proctitis due to prior radiotherapy for adenocarcinoma of the prostate. After apparent routine rubber band ligation for painful haemorrhoids, one patient developed a colo-cutaneous fistula. Following laser coagulation for radiation proctitis, one patient required a pelvic exenteration for a fistula, while another developed a rectal stenosis. Those diagnosing and treating colonic conditions should be mindful of the increased prevalence of patients who have had radiotherapy for prostate cancer and the potential for complications in treating these patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, AMNCH, Tallaght, Dublin 24. marjorie.whiteflynn@amnch.ie
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Thornhill
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Long
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Neary
authors.forename: H J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: O'Connor
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ryan
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Fraser
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D017577:Cutaneous Fistula / Q000209:etiology; D005402:Fistula / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007412:Intestinal Fistula / Q000209:etiology; D017075:Laser Coagulation / Q000009:adverse effects; D008026:Ligation / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011349:Proctitis / Q000150:complications* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000209:etiology; D012002:Rectal Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology