Modification of Intestinal Radiation Death by Surgical Means

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Abstract
A dose of X-irradiation (LD100 in 8 days) was given to at least 50% of the exteriorized ileum and jejunum of young adult male Holtzman rats. In some, this was the only treatment; in others, the irradiated segment was made into a Thiry or Thiry-Vella fistula 2 days postirradiation. This procedure extended the survival time an average of 4 days beyond that of irradiated controls; some animals lived 14 days longer. Establishing a fistula with the irradiated segment did not modify histological damage but did reduce the bloody diarrhea and water loss via rectum. Although postirradiation resection or conversion into a fistula of the irradiated exteriorized intestine prolonged survival time, resection was of no value when done prior to whole-body irradiation or after abdomen exposure. It is possible to produce 3- to 5-day death in rats with a dose as low as 1500 r, even though the major portion of the small intestine is absent. This is in contrast to the response of the mouse where at least 50% of the jejunum and ileum must be irradiated to produce intestinal death.

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