Surgery>>>>>Small Intestine
Question 20#

Methods to prevent radiation enteritis of the small bowel during pelvic irradiation for gynecologic or rectal malignancy include which of the following?

A. Tilt table positioning in Trendelenburg position during radiation therapy treatments
B. Closure (reapproximation) of the pelvic peritoneum after primary resection
C. Placement of an absorbable mesh sling to suspend small intestine out of the pelvis during postoperative radiation therapy
D. All of the above

Correct Answer is D

Comment:

In addition to limiting radiation exposure to less than 5000 cGy, avoiding radiation to the small intestine after pelvic surgery can involve steep Trendelenburg positioning during radiation therapy sessions, closure of the pelvic peritoneum at the level of the sacral promontory to prevent small bowel filling the pelvis, and creating of an absorbable mesh sling to prevent the small intestine from filling the pelvic cavity.