[Diagnosis and therapy of late intestinal radiation sequelae]

Diagnosis and therapy of the complications of intestinal radiation is characterized by uncertainty due to the lack of data. We report our experience of 285 patients who have been followed through the years 1967-1984 which might serve as a basis for diagnosis and therapy. In emergency situations diagnosis includes ileus, perforation and massive bleeding. Operative therapy should be performed stepwise and with caution. During free intervals complete diagnosis of all possible complications including a restaging of the underlying disease should be performed. Resection of the affected intestine is the surgical method of choice. The rate of severe complications was lowered substantially; mortality was 4% (7/159).