Video Tip: Radiofrequency Ablation for Radiation Proctopathy

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This video tip, sponsored by Braintree, introduces radiofrequency ablation as a treatment for radiation proctopathy, a risk of pelvic radiation used in prostate and cervical cancer management. Radiation proctopathy can cause rectal bleeding, anemia, urgency, pain, diarrhea, and incontinence. The most widely used thermoablative technique is argon plasma coagulation, but it may not achieve complete hemostasis and can lead to complications. Radiofrequency ablation, initially used for barrett esophagus, has emerged as an alternative treatment. It uses an electrosurgical generator to deliver energy to soft tissue, causing localized coagulation necrosis. Different catheters can be used depending on the area of involvement. RFA provides a controlled depth and area of treatment, similar to argon plasma coagulation. It can also manage breakthrough bleeding. Risks and complications include pain, bleeding, perforation, ulceration, stricture formation, and tenesmus. RFA offers a safe and effective option for radiation proctopathy treatment. <br /><br />No specific credits were mentioned in the transcript.

Keywords

radiofrequency ablation

radiation proctopathy

pelvic radiation

argon plasma coagulation

barrett esophagus