Radiation proctitis

This code identifies inflammation of the rectum resulting from exposure to radiation, typically as a side effect of pelvic radiation therapy for cancers such as prostate, cervical, or rectal cancer. It encompasses both acute and chronic forms of radiation-induced rectal injury, manifesting with symptoms like rectal bleeding, tenesmus, and diarrhea.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of proctitis directly attributed to prior or ongoing radiation treatment. Supporting documentation should specify the link between radiation exposure and the rectal inflammation, often found in oncology treatment summaries or gastroenterology consultation notes.

• Always link to an external cause code (e.g., Y84.2 for radiation therapy) to specify the cause of the adverse effect.
• Distinguish from other forms of proctitis (e.g., infectious, ulcerative colitis) if the etiology is not radiation.
• Consider sequencing this code after the primary malignancy code if the patient is still undergoing treatment for the cancer.