Re-epithelialization of squamous epithelium for a radiation-induced rectal ulcer while giving an ecabet sodium enema.

The present patient developed a severe rectal ulcer more than 1 month after having received external beam radiation therapy for prostate cancer. Surveillance endoscopy every 3 months demonstrated healing of this rectal ulcer using a novel therapy. He was given enemas with ecabet sodium, which provides physical protection and promotes healing by increasing prostaglandin E(2), and this process induced squamous metaplasia that halted the progression of the ulcer of radiation proctitis as a late-phase reaction. Intrapapillary capillary loops were visualized with magnified narrow band imaging at the healing ulcer site as seen via the esophagus and, moreover, demonstrated histologically.