Successful Treatment of Radiation-Induced Colitis and Enteritis with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Abstract

Introduction Previously irradiated tissue is characterized by changes including decreased vascularity, impaired cellular proliferation, and local hypoxia consistent with fibroblastic atrophy which can persist long after radiation therapy. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of complications arising from these late effects of radiation on normal tissue through enhancing fibroblast proliferation, collagen maturation, stem cell recruitment, and angiogenesis. Methods We report on three patients with debilitating radiation enterocolitis causing issues including recurrent bowel obstruction, anorexia requiring total parenteral nutrition, pain, diarrhea, fecal incontinence, dehydration, and malnutrition. Results In all three cases marked improvement was the outcome with hyperbaric treatment. Conclusion Hyperbaric oxygen therapy should be routinely considered in the treatment of radiation-induced enteritis or colitis.