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Diarrhea pp 141–157Cite as

Radiation Enterocolitis

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Part of the book series: Clinical Gastroenterology ((CG))

Summary

This chapter is focused on review of the diagnostic tests and management of radiation enterocolitis. Radiation enterocolitis can occur after radiation therapy for urological, gynecological, and gastrointestinal cancer. Diarrhea, which is often a dominant symptom, can develop from a few weeks to many years after radiation treatment depending on the severity and the extent of the injury. Radiation enterocolitis can result in severe refractory diarrhea associated with progressive weight loss, abdominal pain, and malnutrition. Diagnosis of radiation enterocolitis can be a challenge. Properly selected radiographic and endoscopic studies allow for detection of subtle changes in the bowel from radiation. A history of prior radiation is a key to make the diagnosis, since other conditions can mimic radiographic, endoscopic, and histologic findings of radiation injury. Management of radiation enterocolitis is directed toward symptoms control. Surgery may be required if conservative measures fail.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Gastroenterology, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL, USA

    Einar G. Lurix MD

  2. Department of Internal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL, USA

    Jorge A. Zapatier MD

  3. Department of Gastroenterology, Cleveland Clinic Florida, 2950 Cleveland Clinic Boulevard, Weston, FL, 33331, USA

    Andrew Ukleja MD

Authors
  1. Einar G. Lurix MD
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  2. Jorge A. Zapatier MD
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  3. Andrew Ukleja MD
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Celiac Disease Center, Div. Pediatric Gastroenterology,, University of Chicago, S. Maryland Ave. 5839, Chicago, 60637, Illinois, USA

    Stefano Guandalini

  2. Health Center, Div. Gastroenterology, University of Connecticut, Farmington Ave. 263, Farmington, 06030-1845, Connecticut, USA

    Haleh Vaziri

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Lurix, E.G., Zapatier, J.A., Ukleja, A. (2010). Radiation Enterocolitis. In: Guandalini, S., Vaziri, H. (eds) Diarrhea. Clinical Gastroenterology. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-183-7_8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-183-7_8

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Totowa, NJ

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-60761-182-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-60761-183-7

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