Importance of the detection of intestinal adhesion prior to radiotherapy of the small pelvis

In 27 out of 61 patients operated for cancers of the bladder or gynaecological cancer, X-ray examinations of the intestine and bladder revealed adhesion of the intestine. The incidence of this finding increased with the number of operations and with the length of the time passed since the operation. Radiogenic enteritis had an eight times higher incidence in patients with intestinal adhesions despite the lower focal doses. The tolerance ratio of the intestine was studied and practical conclusions were drawn. (author)