Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Radiation enteropathy primary prevention
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Radiation enteropathy or radiation enteritis is the syndrome that develops after the intestine is exposed to radiation.
Prevention
Prevention
Newer treatment methods are used, when possible, to avoid or decrease the chance of radiation enteritis. These methods include:
- Adjusting how much radiation is given during any one treatment session, so that lower amounts are delivered more evenly or higher amounts are delivered to specific areas
- Having a full bladder during treatments
- Placing special clips surgically around the area needing radiation. This helps the radiation doctor focus on the treatment area.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]