title: A novel method of dealing with a large rectal enterotomy in an irradiated pelvis.
abstract: Pelvic irradiation as part of adjuvant therapy for rectal cancer is frought with many complications. We describe the case of a young man who presented with frequent intestinal obstruction after resection and radiotherapy for a low rectal cancer. Subsequent laparotomy and adhesiolysis resulted in a large defect at the previous anastomotic site. A loop of sigmoid colon was used to cover the pelvic brim in an effort to preserve the sphincter and intestinal continuity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Colorectal Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore. nywong@fastmail.fm
authors.forename: N Y
authors.initials: NY
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: P K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Koh
authors.forename: K W
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Eu
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D000328:Adult; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D003082:Colectomy / Q000379:methods*; D003106:Colon / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010388:Pelvis / Q000528:radiation effects*; D011859:Radiography; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery; D012007:Rectum / Q000601:surgery*