Surgical treatment of radiation injuries of the colon and rectum

Journal Article · Sat Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1986 · Am. J. Surg.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0002-9610(86)90086-3· OSTI ID:5633506

Jao, S W; Beart, Jr, R W; Gunderson, L L

Between 1950 and 1983, radiation-induced proctitis was diagnosed proctoscopically in 720 patients at the Mayo Clinic. Sixty-two patients with severe colorectal symptoms were treated surgically. The interval from cessation of radiotherapy to onset of symptoms ranged from 3 weeks to 24 months (mean 33 months). The 62 patients underwent a total of 143 operations with 8 operative deaths (13 percent), and 40 patients (65 percent) had 61 complications. The morbidity rate was lower after colostomy alone (44 percent in 27 patients) than after more aggressive operations (80 percent in 35 patients). Transverse loop colostomy and descending colostomy were safer than sigmoid colostomy. The dissection adhesions, opening of tissue planes, and careless manipulation of intestine may result in necrosis and perforation of the intestine, bladder, or vaginal wall; these were the main causes of fecal and other internal fistulas in our study.

• Research Organization: Section of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
• OSTI ID: 5633506
• Journal Information: Am. J. Surg.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. J. Surg.; (United States) Vol. 2; ISSN AJSUA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560151* -- Radiation Effects on Animals-- Man
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
BODY
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM DISEASES
DISEASES
GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT
INJURIES
INTESTINES
LARGE INTESTINE
MEDICINE
NUCLEAR MEDICINE
ORGANS
PATIENTS
POST-IRRADIATION THERAPY
PROCTITIS
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIATION INJURIES
RADIOINDUCTION
RADIOLOGY
RADIOTHERAPY
RECTUM
SIDE EFFECTS
SURGERY
THERAPY