Surgical management of radiation injury of the small and large intestine

Authors:
  • CDClifford W. Deveney
    Clifford W. Deveney
  • FLFrank R. Lewis
    Frank R. Lewis
  • TSTheodore R. Schrock
    Theodore R. Schrock
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The following principles should be observed during operations for radiation injuries of the small and large intestine: 1) The objective of operation is modest: to relieve symptoms. 2) Only healthy bowel, which was outside the radiation field, should be anastomosed. 3) Isolated small intestinal injuries should be resected or bypassed, and extensive dissection should be avoided. 4) Colorectal injuries should be treated by diverting descending colostomy, with or without resection of the diseased bowel.