[Anorectal symptoms after prostate radiotherapy].

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Dutch men and has a relatively good survival rate. Anorectal symptoms after irradiation of the prostate, including rectal blood loss and faecal incontinence, can have a serious impact on quality of life. On endoscopy, the Vienna Rectoscopy Score may reveal telangiectasia or other mucosal changes, but there may also be other causes of blood loss. Endoscopy or watchful waiting can be considered in patients with rectal bleeding. Sucralfate enemas, argon plasma coagulation and hyperbaric oxygen therapy are effective treatments. Increase in frequency of defaecation, faecal urgency or incontinence are related to decreased rectal compliance or to lowered anal resting pressure. Dietary measures can be considered in patients with faecal urgency or incontinence, but scientific evidence for the effectiveness of this is marginal. More accurate radiation techniques and the use of a spacer or endorectal balloon will probably contribute to maintaining rectal and anal function.