Radiation Enteritis

Radiation enteritis is inflammation/ulceration/fibrosis of small bowel/colon after pelvic radiotherapy (prostate/cervical/rectal cancer), presenting with diarrhea, bleeding, tenesmus, and late stricture/obstruction. Treatment: supportive care (anti-diarrheals, diet); nutritional support; antibiotics for bacterial overgrowth; endoscopic hemostasis for bleeding; endoscopic dilation for strictures; surgical resection/revision for obstruction/necrotic complications; PPI/sucralfate enemas; monitor for recurrence/malignancy; follow-up.

Common Symptoms

Diarrhea/bleeding/tenesmus; after pelvic radiation; late stricture possible

Causes and Pathogenesis

Radiation causes mucosal injury, ischemia, and fibrosis.

Treatment

Supportive care; nutrition; antibiotics; dilation/surgery for complications

Preventive Measures

Radiation field optimization; gut-directed protection.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Gastroenterology/Radiation-oncology/Gastrointestinal-surgery department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.