Intestinal radiation damage: treatment
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Even with minimal signs of involvement in the small intestine, broad-spectrum antibiotics are recommended; aspirin, the inhibitory activity of prostaglandins; drugs that neutralize pancreatic secretion, a full-fledged diet throughout the period of radiation therapy. In an acute period, a reduction in the radiation dose of at least 10% can significantly reduce the symptoms of the disease. With discomfort in the abdomen and mild diarrhea prescribed soothing, antispastic drugs, drugs that improve the consistency of stool, local analgesics, warm sedentary baths, adequate nutrition. It is very important at this stage to observe and exercise constant monitoring of treatment. When watery diarrhea, caused by a violation of absorption of bile acids, can improve the condition of the appointment of cholestyramine (4-12 grams per day).
In severe early manifestations of radiation damage to the intestine, especially in children, the gluten-free diet, cow's milk protein and lactose in some cases give a favorable effect. Significant radiation due to large neoplasms occurring with anorexia and weight loss requires parenteral enhanced nutrition. Patients with radiation enteritis and enterocolitis of severe course with a pronounced intestinal absorption disorder are treated, in addition to parenteral nutrition, with anabolic hormones, vitamins, calcium, iron and other substances, the deficiency of which occurs with this form of disease. Assign enzyme and desensitizing agents, as well as drugs that normalize the intestinal microflora. When intestinal bleeding is recommended iron inside or parenteral, as well as if necessary - blood transfusion. Profuse bleeding is rare and requires surgical intervention. To surgical treatment resort to and with strictures, abscesses and fistulas.
Prevention of radiation enteritis and enterocolitis consists in the observance of safety rules in contact with sources of ionizing radiation, careful testing of individual doses of radiation with the use of different types of samples for the radiosensitivity of organs and tissues. In this case, methods of multipole, cross, mobile irradiation, protective blocks, filters, rasters, wedges are important; change in the value of a single dose and the duration of intervals between radiotherapy sessions, split irradiation courses; ways to mechanically remove healthy tissue from the tumor; creation of artificial hypoxia and the appointment of radiosensitizing substances - oxygen, nitrofurans, etc.
The prognosis for radiation intestinal reactions is often favorable. With severe lesions of the small and large intestine, it is much more serious and depends on a number of factors (the way of irradiation, the localization and the vastness of the pathological process, in connection with which radiation therapy, the severity of intestinal manifestations, etc.).
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