Radiation injury is a frequent complication of radiation therapy for malignant diseases in the genitourinary tract. The injury can be acute, starting during the time of therapy or within a few weeks after finishing the radiation. The main symtoms are diarrhea, stomach pain and bleeding. Stricture formation can cause bowel obstruction. Signs of radiation injury in the sigmoid colon.
Medical treatment is quite inefficient, and new treatment methods are needed.
Sulfasalazin, 5-aminosalicylic acid and steroids have been used but the effect on e.g. rectal bleeding is not satisfactory.