Protection from radiation-associated small bowel injury with the aid of an absorbable mesh.

Radiation associated small bowel injury results from aggressive treatment of pelvic malignancies with radiation therapy. The incidence increases when radiation therapy follows pelvic surgery due to adhesions that form between the small bowel and the operated site. Application of an absorbable polyglycolic acid mesh to keep the small bowel from descending into the pelvis and around the operated site prevents this complication. Use to date in humans and non-human primates has not been associated with any complications.