Colonoscopy recommended by GI dr for substantial rectal bleeding for 2+ months. Completed EBRT 12 months ago. Suspect radiation proctitis. I’m concerned that invasive procedure could cause additional problems. Using prescription suppository (hydrocortisone acetate 25mg) twice daily. Is colonoscopy the correct advice or are there other options? Last colonoscopy 3 years ago (before radiation treatment) found and removed small polyp.
Welcome all advice and opinions.
Hopefully, it will go away on its own. Since you know you have radiation proctitis, what are you going to do with the info from the colonoscopy? Have they just looked at the rectum for internal hemorrhoids? There are procedures like resurfacing the rectum with blue light laser or argon plasma that may help? If they don't work, hyperbaric oxygen may sometimes work.
You should consult with your RO before making any decision.
Thanks for replying Tall-AllenRO okay with colonoscopy if 12 months since radiation treatment which I am.
Radiation proctitis only suspected. Colonoscopy to try and confirm cause of bleeding and cauterize if appropriate. No physical exam since no history of hemorrhoids, no pain or itching. I just started using suppository twice daily. How long would I continue before I would see positive results or no improvement?
As I said, talk to your RO about this. I had internal hemorrhoids I didn't know about. They bled after the rasdiation. I'm sure how long it lasts it differs in different guys.
Twelve months after radiation I developed rectal bleeding, dark clots, once a week. Colonoscopy showed injury to colon. MD said to wait before trying to fix it. After a year bleeding began it started to diminish, six months later it stopped. Six years later no bleeding. My understanding that attempts 'to fix' the bleeding are not without risk.
Thanks Ben2. I do agree with what you say. It’s difficult to know best treatment for each of us. Was hopping hydrocortisone suppository would help but as of this morning not the case. I need a good sit down with Dr to explore all possibilities. Best to you and stay well
Been there. Anoscopy should be sufficient to confirm radiation proctitis since it would not be far in and on the anterior rectal wall. Would not favor “cautery” of the already damaged rectal wall. An easy and effective treatment is to apply a dilute solution of formaldehyde to the area for a few minutes. This will likely work but may need to be repeated after some time. You need to get some articles on this to educate the proctologist or gastroenterologist if they do not know about it. Full colonoscopy could follow since you had prior polyps, but it must be done with great care to this area. It does get better. Good luck.
Here is a good article on 4% formaldehyde. Very easy treatment. I actually did it on myself (not recommended)🤔pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/263...
MateoBeach, thanks so much for the info and link to very interesting study. Will share info with Drs. Don’t like doing colonoscopy for same reason you mentioned. Don’t give up the fight it sounds like you are doing well. Go Tampa Bay🏈🍺
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