Chronic Radiation Enteritis: Women's Food Tolerances after Radiation Treatment for Gynecologic Cancer

Abstract

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To identify foods that commonly affect bowel activity after abdominal radiotherapy. Chronic Radiation Enteritis (CRE) can occur in patients who receive abdominal radiotherapy (ART). The literature suggests low residue, low fat, and low lactose diets in the management of CRE symptoms but does not provide definitive guidelines. Twenty-six women with documented CRE and 21 with no documentation of CRE (control group) completed a nutrition questionnaire developed by a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist. The questionnaire sought to identify specific foods that affected bowel symptoms after ART. Seventy percent of the CRE group identified excess bloating, gas, abdominal cramps and diarrhea post ART compared to 24% of the control group. Fifty percent of the CRE patients reported an increase in symptoms upon consumption of bran muffins, berries, cabbage, brussel sprouts, broccoli, tossed salad, caesar salad, baked beans, lentils, and nuts in contrast to 14% of the controls. A significant difference was seen in the portion sizes of these foods tolerated between the two groups. Eighty-five percent of the CRE group could only tolerate very small portions of these foods (less than a diabetic food exchange) while the controls consumed large portions before symptom exacerbation. In conclusion, smaller, more frequent portions of foods are better tolerated and an individualized approach is critical in the nutritional management of CRE.