Radiation enteritis in children

Abstract

Six children with intestinal radiation injury following cancer therapy are presented. The radiation dose varied from 3500 rads to 6600 rads. Symptoms of radiation enteritis took from 3 weeks to 3 years to develop. All patients received concomitant chemotherapy. Incomplete bowel obstruction was the most common presenting feature (four cases); five came to laparotomy. Simple adhesiolysis was successful in two cases; two children required more extensive surgical manoeuvres (small-bowel bypass and bowel resections). All are alive and well 4 to 13 years following therapy although five have other radiation effects. Radiation injury to the bowel and its management are discussed.