Role of Laparoscopy in Radiation Proctitis: Case Report and Review of Literature

The radiation proctitis is a known complication following the pelvic radiation therapy. Radiation proctitis is categorized as acute and chronic. Most of the cases are managed conservatively except in grade four chronic radiation proctitis, which active surgical management is needed. Previously these surgeries were done by conventional open technique. With the evolution of minimal access surgery it has now possible to do these surgeries by laparoscopic methods.
We here by present a case of 75 year old male patient presented with passage of dark colored blood mixed stools with tenesmus, pain and diarrhea. Patient had surgical history of transurethral resection of the prostrate (TURP) done for Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy. The tissue diagnosis of specimen was adenocarcinoma of prostate. Patient had received radiotherapy 9 months back for that prostatic carcinoma. The colonoscopy was suggestive of severe distal rectal proctitis, which was managed by laparoscopic proctectomy with partial sigmoidectomy and permanent end sigmoid colostomy.
Laparoscopy has definitive role in management of chronic radiation proctitis, blessing the patient with benefits of minimal access surgery.