Radiation enteritis

Aetiopathogenesis:

Radiation of > 50Gy will damage the intestine

The ileum and rectum are the areas most commonly involved (as pelvic irradiation is the common cause)

Radiation enteritis produces:

Muscle fibre atrophy

Ulcerative changes due to ischaemia

Obstruction due to strictures produced by radiation-induced fibrosis

Clinical features:

At the time of irradiation there may be:

Diarrhoea

Abdominal pain

The above symptoms usually resolve within six weeks after completion of therapy

Chronic radiation enteritis is diagnosed if symptoms persist for more than three months

Treatment:

Symptomatic (although often unsuccessful in chronic enteritis)

Surgery should be avoided if at all possible, being reserved for life-threatening situations such as:

Complete obstruction

Perforation (occasionally)