Radiation Enteritis – a case report and literature review

Abstract

Chronic radiation enteritis is an uncommon clinical entity whose incidence has been gradually increasing even with the constant development of techniques that minimize radiotherapy damaging effects. There are different medical approaches concerning its control, however one third of patients need surgical treatment during the course of the disease. The criteria for the suitable timing and the adequate procedure for the surgical approach are not clearly defined. The authors present the case report of a 65-year-old woman with history of pelvic radiotherapy for cervical cancer who displayed symptoms of chronic radiation enteritis two decades after radiotherapy treatment. The patient was submitted to surgical treatment. After 12 months of follow-up, she was asymptomatic and presented a good physical condition. A brief review of the therapeutic options is made regarding this case.