Radiation enteropathy; Radiation-induced small bowel injury; Post-radiation enteritis

Newer treatment methods are used, when possible, to avoid or decrease the chance of radiation enteritis. These methods include:

• Adjusting how much radiation is given during any one treatment session, so that lower amounts are delivered more evenly or higher amounts are delivered to specific areas
• Having a full bladder during treatments
• Placing special clips surgically around the area needing radiation. This helps the radiation doctor focus on the treatment area.

Czito BG, Willett CG. Radiation injury. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2010: chap 39.

Gastrointestinal Complications (PDQ). Radiation Enteritis. Last modified October 8, 2009.

Images

Digestive system organs

Previous Section

Radiation enteritis Treatment

Review Date: 07/22/2010
Reviewed By: Jennifer K. Mannheim, ARNP, Medical Staff, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Seattle Children's Hospital; and George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)