Complications from irradiation of carcinoma of the uterine cervix.

The types and frequency of complications in 2248 patients irradiated for carcinoma of the cervix using different techniques are reported. Proctitis was the most frequent complication. Severe complications, such as fistulas, ureteral stenosis with hydronephrosis, enterocolitis, sigmoiditis, intestinal obstruction and skin necrosis occurred in 81 patients (3.6%). Only 36 patients (1.6%) developed fistulas.