Tolerance of retroperitoneal structures to intraoperative radiation

In conjunction with the clinical development of intraoperative radiotherapy, a study was undertaken in dogs to define the tolerance of normal anatomic structures in the retroperitoneum to radiation delivered during operation. Twenty adult dogs were subjected to laparotomy and intraoperative 11 MeV electron irradiation in single doses ranging from 0.to 5000 rad. Animals were followed regularly with clinical observation, blood count, serum chemistries, pyelography, and angiography. Animals were sacrificed and autopsied at regular intervals up to 12 months following treatment to assess radiation-induced complications or tissue damage. Irradiation field in all dogs consisted of a 4 X 15 cm rectangle extending inthe retroperitoneum from the level of the renal vessels to the bifurcation of aorta and vena cava. The field included aorta, vena cava, inferior portion of left kidney, and distal portion of left ureter. No complications or histologic changes occurred in any animal given doses of 2000 rad, with a follow-up in excess of 18 months. A dose of 3000 rad was well tolerated, except for left ureteral occlusion in one animal. Mild vascular fibrosis was present inthe aorta and vena cava, and significant ureteral fibrosis developed by six months after doses of 4000 or 5000 rad. All animals that received 5000 rad died of radiation-related complications, including ureteral obstruction and rectal perforation. It was concluded that major vessels tolerate intraoperative irradiation well up to and including 3000 rad and that no clinically significant vascular problems develop after 4000 and 5000 rad, although some fibrosis does occur. The ureter and kidney appear to be the most radiosensitive structures inthe retroperitoneum, showing progressive changes at 300 rad or greater and showing the potential for serious complications after doses of 4000 rad or more.