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Updated: Aug 4, 2026
08:49
Murine Ileocolic Bowel Resection with Primary Anastomosis
Published on: October 29, 2014
Small bowel perforation after radiotherapy for cervical carcinoma
C P Cheung1, H S Chiu, C H Chung
1Accident and Emergency Department, North District Hospital, 9 Po Kin Road, Sheung Shui, Hong Kong. cpcheung@so-net.com.hk
Hong Kong Medical Journal = Xianggang Yi Xue Za Zhi
|December 9, 2003
Summary
Radiotherapy for cervical cancer can lead to rare complications like small bowel perforation. Early recognition is crucial as symptoms may be subtle, requiring prompt surgical intervention.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
- Radiology
Background:
- Radiotherapy is a primary treatment for cervical carcinoma.
- Small bowel perforation is a potential, albeit uncommon, complication of pelvic radiotherapy.
- This case highlights a specific instance of post-radiation injury.
Observation:
- A 62-year-old woman with cervical cancer developed small bowel perforation 5 months after radiotherapy.
- Surgical intervention involved resection of 10 cm of affected small bowel.
- No intraoperative adhesions were noted, suggesting a direct radiation effect.
Findings:
- Histological examination confirmed the perforation was due to post-irradiation injury.
- The patient experienced an uneventful recovery and was discharged 7 days post-surgery.
- Clinical presentation of bowel perforation post-radiotherapy can be atypical, potentially lacking peritonitis signs.
Implications:
- Emergency physicians must maintain a high index of suspicion for bowel perforation in patients with a history of radiotherapy.
- Timely diagnosis and surgical management are critical for favorable outcomes.
- Understanding atypical presentations can improve patient care and reduce diagnostic delays.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction
Esophageal perforation is a severe medical condition characterized by a breach in the integrity of the esophageal wall. This breach can occur due to various factors such as trauma, medical procedures, or underlying diseases. When the esophageal wall is compromised, it allows food, fluids, and digestive juices into the chest cavity or adjacent structures, leading to potential complications and health risks.
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus.
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus.
01:28Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Esophageal perforations manifest in various clinical forms, influenced by factors such as the perforation's cause and location (cervical, intrathoracic, or intra-abdominal), the extent of contamination, and potential injury to adjacent mediastinal structures. The timing between the perforation occurrence and treatment initiation also affects the clinical presentation.
Clinical Manifestations:
Clinical Manifestations: