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Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2016; 29(02): 085-091
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1580632
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Radiation-Induced Problems in Colorectal Surgery

Jean H. Ashburn
1   Department of Colorectal Surgery, Digestive Diseases Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
,
Matthew F. Kalady
1   Department of Colorectal Surgery, Digestive Diseases Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
26 May 2016 (online)

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Abstract

Radiotherapy not only plays a pivotal role in the cancer care pathways of many patients with pelvic malignancies, but can also lead to significant injury of normal tissue in the radiation field (pelvic radiation disease) that is sometimes as challenging to treat as the neoplasms themselves. Acute symptoms are usually self-limited and respond to medical therapy. Chronic symptoms often require operative intervention that is made hazardous by hostile surgical planes and unforgiving tissues. Management of these challenging patients is best guided by the utmost caution and humility.

Keywords

radiation proctitis - radiation enteritis or enteropathy - radiation-induced bowel damage
 

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