Factors predisposing to radiation-related small-bowel damage.
From 1970 through 1977, 92 patients with ovarian cancer received 20 Gy (2,000 rad) to the abdomen, followed by 30 Gy (3,000 rad) to the pelvis. Small-bowel obstruction developed in 7 (7.6%). The number of previous laparotomies, thin physique, and hypertension were significantly associated with complications. Two patients receiving isoniazid and 2 receiving Premarin had enteric complications. Pre-existing vascular damage may potentiate radiation damage to the small bowel.
D000005:Abdomen / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000886:Anthropometry; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000209:etiology*; D007421:Intestine, Small; D008875:Middle Aged; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*