Natural history and surgical management of radiation enteritis.

Radiation enteritis is an increasing problem. The effect of ionizing radiation is due to a direct effect on proliferating cells and due to a progressive obliterative vasculitis. Predisposing factors include the dose of radiation, combination with chemotherapy, previous operations and vascular disease. Management is related to the stage of disease at presentation, and tailored to the clinical problem. Surgical management must take into account the poor healing associated with irradiated intestine.