A 65-year-old man with a history of pelvic radiation for prostate cancer 5 years ago presents with recurrent episodes of small bowel obstruction, malnutrition, and chronic bloody diarrhea. Endoscopy shows mucosal telangiectasias and friability in the terminal ileum. Which treatment modality has demonstrated benefit in refractory radiation enteritis by promoting angiogenesis in irradiated tissue?

• A Systemic corticosteroids
• B Long-term prophylactic antibiotics
• C Anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies
• D Hyperbaric oxygen therapy ✓

Explanation

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is an established adjunctive treatment for refractory radiation-induced tissue injury including radiation enteritis, proctitis, and cystitis. It promotes angiogenesis, reduces edema, and improves tissue oxygenation in hypocellular, hypovascular irradiated tissue. Multiple guidelines support its use for chronic radiation tissue injury refractory to standard therapy.

Reference: Bailey and Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 28th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.