[Intestinal lesions after radiotherapy (author's transl)]

The authors present a series of 50 patients for which a laparotomy was performed following a lesion of the intestines due to radiotherapy. Resection and anastomosis is indicated only in localized lesions in patients with a good general state. In more extensive bowel lesions it is safer to perform by-pass procedures as the morbidity and postoperative mortality are lower. However, by-pass is inadequate to stop profuse haemorrhages: in such cases resection is mandatory.