This is a condition which sometimes arises following radiotherapy to organs in the pelvis. It is commonest after radiotherapy has been administered to treat prostate cancer but can also arise following cervical radiotherapy.

Radiation proctitis often presents with urgency, rectal bleeding and a sensation of incomplete emptying. Endoscopic findings include the development of multiple leashes of new blood vessels, telangectasia, within the effected area. The bowel wall also tend s to develop fibrosis within it (which cant be seen endoscopically as it is below the surface), which then leads to reduced compliance.

Bleeding from such lesions may be amenable to endoscopic therapy such as APC. Sometimes patients with radiation proctitis also respond to butyrate enemas, steroids and metronidazole, given rectally.