[Intestinal lesions induced by radiotherapy of malignant pelvic tumors. Apropos of 2 cases].

Intestinal lesions after radiotherapy for pelvic malignant tumours are of two types: ulcerative colitis with stenosis and hemorrhage sometimes sevre and repeated, and ileal involvement with focal ischemic lesions and malabsorption responsible for nutritional disorders. It is difficult to distinguish them from a recurrence of the tumour in spite of endoscopy, arteriography and biopsy. The course in 3 stages is of great value in diagnosis. A reduction in the frequency of such complications may be hoped for by assessment and exclusion of predisposing factors, by strict observance of therapeutic rules. They are serious owing to the marked irreversible conjunctivo-vascular changes and the fragility of the irradiated tissues during operation.