10-year series studies of chronic radiation proctopathy from The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University

Abstract

Chronic radiation proctopathy (CRP) is the delayed adverse effect after radiotherapy for pelvic malignancies. It is characterized as progressive fibrosis in pathology. The symptoms are usually unspecific which include rectal bleeding, perianal pain, tenesmus, stool frequencies and so on. The course of CRP can present from months to years after radiation. Severe complications can occur in the late stage and will greatly affect the quality of life. Currently, there is no standard guides for diagnosis and treatment of CRP. For advancing the knowledge and proposing new treatment modalities of CRP, this article summarizes our 10-year experience as follows: (1) Except the existence of vessel damage, interstitial fibrosis, mucous ulcer, edema and inflammatory cell infiltration in the radiation-injury area, the capillary count was obviously reduced in mucous substratum and angiostatin expression up-regulated remarkably in above area, resulting in the continuous development of compensatory capillary expansion and interstitial fibrosis in mucous layer. (2) Rectal ultrasound examination was used the first time to diagnose CRP. According to thickness change of rectal wall layer and increase of blood signal, severity of CRP activity was evaluated with good diagnostic value. (3) For slight-moderate rectal bleeding, moderate-heavy bleeding and heavy bleeding, application of retention enema with compound preparation based on mucoprotective agents, regional perfusion hemostasis with formaldehyde and proximal colostomy gained satisfactory efficacy. (4) Improved Parks operation should be recommended for CRP patients with advanced complications. (5) For rectal cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, "proximal extended excision" should be performed innovatively to decrease the risk of anastomotic complications (Tianhe Procedure).