Radiation Enteritis

Overview

Many people suffering from radiation enteritis seek care at Mayo Clinic because of Mayo's expertise and experience. The care team at Mayo works to achieve optimal combinations of medications and nutritional support to reduce symptoms and correct the effects of injury to the small intestine.

Typically, changes in diet are the main treatment approach. Parenteral nutrition (TPN) administered at home is used for some patients who need help with short-term recovery and long-term sustenance. When TPN is necessary, patients are carefully trained during their treatment at Mayo Clinic and closely managed when they return home.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, is ranked No. 1 in Digestive Disorders in the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings.

Diagnosis

Doctors can often diagnose radiation enteritis from a medical history and physical examination. Sometimes they may recommend a scope procedure, CT scan or tests for possible overgrowth of bacteria in the bowel. Learn more about radiation enteritis diagnosis.

Treatment Options

Some patients require lifelong treatment to control radiation enteritis symptoms. Treatment plans at Mayo Clinic focus on helping patients gain control of their symptoms by using special diets, medications and sometimes a liquid diet. Careful control of diet may reverse symptoms in some cases. Learn more about radiation enteritis treatment.

• Treatment in Arizona
• Treatment in Florida
• Treatment in Minnesota

About Radiation Enteritis

Radiation enteritis is an inflammation (swelling) of the small intestine caused by radiation therapy administered during cancer treatment. In some patients the condition causes poor absorption of nutrients and diarrhea, while in others, the normal movement of food through the intestines slows or stops, resulting in nausea, vomiting and weight loss. Complete failure of the intestines to digest food, requiring either surgery or TPN, develops in approximately 5 percent of patients treated with radiation.