Diversion colostomy - A promising option in selected patients with refractory hemorrhagic chronic radiation proctitis

Radiation proctitis is a known complication following high dose radiation therapy to the pelvis. Rectal bleeding secondary to chronic radiation proctitis is commonly managed with medical therapy and endoscopic therapy. Surgical treatment is reserved for patients not responding to endoscopic or medical management. We report a case of chronic haemorrhagic radiation proctitis, refractory to medical and endoscopic therapy, successfully treated with a diversion transverse colostomy.