Radiation Proctitis Treatment with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Radiation proctitis can cause persistent rectal bleeding and discomfort long after cancer treatment. HBOT helps heal the damaged tissue by rebuilding its blood supply.
Understanding Radiation Proctitis
Radiation proctitis is inflammation and damage to the rectum caused by pelvic radiation therapy. It commonly affects patients treated for prostate, cervical, rectal, or other pelvic cancers.
Radiation injures the delicate blood vessels lining the rectum. Over time, these damaged vessels become fragile and prone to bleeding. Symptoms include rectal bleeding, pain, urgency, diarrhea, and mucus discharge. Severe cases can lead to anemia from chronic blood loss.
When standard medical treatments — including anti-inflammatory medications and endoscopic procedures — do not adequately control symptoms, HBOT provides an established, evidence-based treatment option.
How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Helps
HBOT delivers concentrated oxygen to the damaged rectal tissue, stimulating the formation of new, healthy blood vessels. This process gradually replaces the fragile, radiation-damaged vasculature with a stronger blood supply capable of supporting tissue healing.
The UHMS recognizes HBOT as an effective treatment for radiation proctitis. Clinical evidence demonstrates that HBOT can significantly reduce rectal bleeding and improve quality of life for patients with this condition.
What to Expect During Treatment
Each session lasts approximately 90 minutes at treatment pressure. A typical course involves 30 to 40 sessions. Your physician coordinates care with your gastroenterologist or oncologist throughout the treatment process.
Insurance & Coverage
HBOT for radiation proctitis is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most major private insurance plans when medically necessary. Our team handles insurance verification and prior authorization so you can focus on healing.
Our team handles the paperwork so you can focus on healing. We will verify your benefits, obtain any required prior authorizations, and keep you informed every step of the way.