[Postoperative complications of the radiation-exposed intestine]

Intestinal complications after radiotherapy cannot be avoided. Side effects of radiotherapy should be differentiated from injuries following correct application of radiation. Acute changes are usually transient. There is only a small incidence of major intestinal radiation injuries, amounting to less than 3%. Exact preoperative diagnostics is advisable in planning corrective operative procedures. The postoperative mortality rate is about 30%, operative procedures must be individualized, staged procedures are recommended.