Successful Treatment of Radiation-Induced Colitis and Enteritis with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Introduction Previously irradiated tissue is characterized by changes including decreased vascularity, impaired cellular proliferation, and local hypoxia consistent with fibroblastic atrophy which can persist long after radiation therapy. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of complications arising from these late effects on normal through enhancing fibroblast collagen maturation, stem cell recruitment, angiogenesis. Methods We report three patients debilitating enterocolitis causing issues recurrent bowel obstruction, anorexia requiring total parenteral nutrition, pain, diarrhea, fecal incontinence, dehydration, malnutrition. Results In all cases marked improvement was outcome hyperbaric treatment. Conclusion should routinely considered radiation-induced enteritis or colitis.