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Normal tissue effects and injury – Acute effects –
LDR prostate brachytherapy – rectal mucosa
Acute effects
symptoms
outcome
management
Rectal
mucosa
Inflammation,
oedema,
hyperaemia, cellular
loss with loss of
epithelial integrity
•
diarrhoea
•
tenesmus
•
mucoid discharge
•
haematochezia
•
anorectal pain
•
cramps
•
Mostly self-limiting
•
Resolves spontaneously
•
Typically takes
a few months
•
Does not generally convey
risk of late complications
Reassurance
Pharmacological
•
Antidiarrhoeals
•
Antispasmodics
•
laxatives
•
Dietary modification
•
Steroid enemas