[Enteritis caused by small intestine irradiation].

Two cases of small bowel postradiation enteritis after abdominoperineal resection are presented. The interval between radiation of 60 Gy to the pelvis and perineal area and the occlusive symptoms were 3 and 6 years. One patient required a massive small bowel resection, and the second an ileo-transverse colon bypass. The first case had a partial dehiscence of the anastomosis, and the second a colonic fistula 8 months after surgery that closed after total parenteral nutrition. Both patients had abdominal wall closure defects.