Abstract
Radiation proctitis is a well-known complication of abdominal and pelvic radiation. Conventional medical and surgical treatment often is disappointing. 5-Aminosalicylic Acid (5-ASA)is the active component in sulfasalazine and is effective in the treatment of distal ulcerative colitis. Four patients with radiation proctitis were treated with 4 g 5-ASA by enema nightly for two to six months. Patients were seen monthly, interviewed, and a sigmoidoscopic exam performed. No change was seen in the degree of mucosal inflammation on follow-up sigmoidoscopic exams. Three patients noted no change in their symptoms of bleeding, pain, or tenesmus. One patient noted initial improvement, but this was not sustained. 5-ASA enemas do not appear to be effective in the treatment of radiation proctitis.
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Baum, C.A., Biddle, W.L. & Miner, P.B. Failure of 5-Aminosalicylic acid enemas to improve chronic radiation proctitis. Digest Dis Sci 34, 758–760 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01540349
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01540349