title: Radiation proctopathy.
abstract: Radiation therapy is a widely utilized treatment modality for pelvic malignancies, including prostate cancer, rectal cancer, and cervical cancer. Given its fixed position in the pelvis, the rectum is at a high risk for injury secondary to ionizing radiation. Despite advances made in radiation science, up to 75% of the patients will suffer from acute radiation proctitis and up to 20% may experience chronic symptoms. Symptoms can be variable and include diarrhea, bleeding, incontinence, and fistulization. A multitude of treatment options exist. This article summarizes the latest knowledge relating to radiation proctopathy focusing on the vast array of treatment options.
authors.affiliation: Section of Colon and Rectal Surgery, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, District of Columbia.
authors.forename: Marc B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Grodsky
authors.affiliation: Department of Colorectal Surgery, Virginia Hospital Center Physician Group, Arlington, Virginia.
authors.forename: Shafik M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Sidani
keywords: diagnosis; proctitis; radiation; treatment