The spectrum of radiation enteritis: surgical considerations

Journal Article · Thu Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1983 · Dis. Colon Rectum; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02552969· OSTI ID:5622084

Haddad, G K; Grodsinsky, C; Allen, H

Radiation therapy, often used to treat gynecologic and urologic pelvic malignancies, has varying, adverse effects on the bowel. Radiation enteritis may occur from one month to 20 years after irradiation, and disabling symptoms may require surgery in 10 to 20 per cent of patients. From our experience with 20 patients who required surgery for radiation enteritis and who were followed for up to 20 years, we were able to identify three clinical groups. Patients in the first group need only medical treatment for their symptoms, and observation, whereas patients in the second group may present with acute, debilitating, life-threatening symptoms that may require emergency surgery. Patients in the third group have a long-standing history of intermittent bowel obstruction and/or enteric fistulas that are best treated with adequate nutritional support followed by timely surgical intervention.

• Research Organization: Department of Surgery, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan
• OSTI ID: 5622084
• Journal Information: Dis. Colon Rectum; (United States), Journal Name: Dis. Colon Rectum; (United States) Vol. 26:9; ISSN DICRA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

550603 -- Medicine-- External Radiation in Therapy-- (1980-)
560151* -- Radiation Effects on Animals-- Man
62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
BODY
BODY AREAS
CARCINOMAS
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM DISEASES
DISEASES
ENTERITIS
FEMALES
GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT
INTESTINES
LARGE INTESTINE
MALES
MEDICINE
NEOPLASMS
NUCLEAR MEDICINE
ORGANS
PELVIS
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIOLOGY
RADIOTHERAPY
SIDE EFFECTS
SURGERY
THERAPY