Anorectal Function After Three- Versus Two-Dimensional Radiation Therapy for Carcinoma of the Prostate

Impact of the Target Volume (Prostate Alone vs. Prostate with Seminal Vesicles) and Fraction Dose (1.8 Gy vs. 2.0 Gy) on Quality of Life Changes After External-Beam Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer

“…A different induction of the repair system is likewise possible. Supporting our findings, Yeoh et al [35] reported a significantly lower incidence of rectal urgency for patients after two-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (2D-CRT) versus 3D-CRT in spite of a considerably larger PTV -these patients have likewise been treated with a four-field technique and doses not exceeding 72 Gy.…”

Disturbed Colonic Motility Contributes to Anorectal Symptoms and Dysfunction After Radiotherapy for Carcinoma of the Prostate

“…The consistency and frequency of bowel actions (number per week), frequency and severity of urgency of defecation, fecal incontinence, and rectal bleeding were evaluated using previously validated questionnaires (1,6,7,(9)(10)(11)(12).…”

“…As in previous studies, anorectal motor function was evaluated with a perfused sleeve and multiport anorectal assembly, with recordings of basal pressures and responses to contraction of the anal sphincter (squeeze) and increased intraabdominal pressure stored in a computer (1,6,11,12).…”

“…After anorectal motility, sensory function was evaluated by recording the sensation (perception of the stimulus, desire to defecate, or pain) reported by the patient during graded rectal distension after inflation of a polyethylene bag attached to the assembly to a maximum volume of 150 mL (1,6,11,12).…”

“…Prospective longitudinal studies of anorectal function in patients undergoing RT for carcinoma of the prostate performed by our group have provided important insights into the pathogenesis of anorectal symptoms (11,12). We showed that persistent increase in anorectal symptoms after RT was associated with progressive weakness of the external and internal anal sphincter, reduction in rectal compliance, and heightened sensitivity to rectal distension at 2 years (11,12). There is, however, little information on the role of colonic motility in the pathogenesis of anorectal symptoms and dysfunction after RT (13,14).…”