Aggressive initial surgery for chronic radiation enteritis: long‐term results of resection vs non‐resection in 44 consecutive cases

Objective One third of patients with chronic radiation enteritis will require surgery. There is, however, no consensus on the best surgical strategy. The long-term results of intestinal resection vs a `conservative' procedure, including stoma, bypass, and/or adhesiolysis, were reviewed with special reference to reoperation rates and the ultimate need for long-term parenteral nutrition. Patients and methods Forty-four patients operated for chronic radiation enteritis were divided into two groups: Group I resection (n = 21) and Group II conservative (n = 23). Twenty patients had received preoperative total parenteral nutrition, 16 (76%) in the resection group vs four (17%) in the conservative group (P < 0.001). In the resection group, intestinal resection was combined with a stoma in six patients. In the conservative group, 10 patients underwent adhesiolysis, five a bypass procedure, and eight diverting stoma. Results Post-operative mortality was similar in both groups (9.5% vs 8.5%). Mean follow up was 53 and 55 months for Group I and Group II, respectively. The reoperation rate was significantly lower in Group I: 9 (47%) vs 19 (86%), P < 0.01. Although not significant, the ultimate need for long-term parenteral nutrition rate was lower in Group I than in Group II: 6 (32%) vs 10 (48%). Conclusion Resection resulted in better treatment outcomes than `conservative' surgery for chronic radiation enteritis.