About Distal Proctitis

Distal Proctitis - Diversion Proctitis - Dysfunction Proctitis - Disuse Colitis

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"Proctitis" is inflammation of the rectum and is frequently associated with Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis (Inflammatory Bowel Disease).

But after colostomy or ileostomy surgery, nonspecific colitis may be seen in the part of the colon which is no longer in use even in patients who don't have IBD.

This can be because the colon produces copious amounts of mucous as it is no longer nourished by the fatty acids in the stool which used to pass through. The rectum removes water from the mucous, and as a result the mucous builds up and hardens. The hardened lump of mucus can cause rectal bleeding and inflammation.

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) enemas can be used to treat this - but the odour is so bad that many doctors don't recommend them. They also have a short shelf-life and aren't available commercially.

Instead, treatment is usually by enemas or by washouts.
Removing the rectum will stop the problem. If there is any possibility of a reversal your rectum won't be removed.

Radiation Proctitis
Radiation Proctitis is a common complication of abdominal and pelvic radiotherapy. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) enemas are often useful in this case.

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CategoryBowelDisease