Abdominopelvic mesh compartmentalization reduces the complications of radiotherapy in children: a preliminary report.

AIM

The aim of this report was to assess the effects of radiotherapy (RT) in children with abdominopelvic tumours in whom a biodegradable (Polyglactin 910) mesh had been inserted prior to commencement of radiotherapy.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis was carried out of four patients with abdominopelvic tumours who underwent radiotherapy between 2000 and 2002 as part of their management.

RESULTS

All children tolerated radiotherapy well with no evidence of acute or chronic radiation enteritis. One child developed prolonged postoperative ileus and a second child developed infective diarrhoea and fever, not related to radiation.

CONCLUSION

We have highlighted a good tolerance of radiotherapy in children following the insertion of a Polyglactin 910 mesh prior to starting radiation and would recommend further larger studies with longer follow-up to support this.