Intestinal Injuries Following Irradiation of Pelvic Viscera for Malignancy

Abstract

The occurrence of irradiation lesions in the intestinal tract subsequent to the treatment of malignancies is well known. In a survey of intestinal obstruction at the University of Illinois Hospitals for the period between Jan. 1, 1947, and December, 1955, twelve cases of intestinal injury secondary to pelvic irradiation for malignant disease of the reproductive organs were encountered and are the subject of this report. All were females and all showed, among other manifestations, partial or complete obstruction of the bowel. There were four deaths, a mortality rate of 33%. Our purpose here is to review these cases, point out the diagnostic features of benign irradiation stricture, and discuss methods of treatment. Many reports have appeared in the literature regarding the destructive effects of pelvic