Surgical Management of Abdominal Complications that Occur in the Long Term After Radiation Therapy for Malignant Lymphoma

Abstract

Radiation therapy for abdominal malignant lymphoma may result in acute or chronic complications. While acute problems usually respond to nonsurgical management, long-term complications may require an operative procedure. Evaluation of the severity and extent of radiation injury, optimal preoperative preparation, and performance of surgery that considers unique features of each patient are necessary to obtain a good result. Intestinal resection and by-pass are among options requiring careful selection in surgical care. Measures toward prevention of long-term abdominal complications include (1) factors concerning delivery of irradiation and (2) identification of the best use of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.