Surgical Treatment for Radiation Enteritis Complicated by Invasive Candidosis: A Case Report

Radiation enteritis could lead to lifethreatening condition needing prompt recognition and adequate treatment. Herein we report a case of surgical treatment for radiation enteritis complicated by invasive candidosis in order to raise awareness of the importance of preventive measures avoiding such complications. A 56-year-old woman had a radical hysterectomy for cervical adenocarcinoma followed by chemotherapy and brachytherapy. She consulted for abdominal distension, vomiting, and weight loss secondary to stenotic radiation enteritis. An ileo-cecal resection was performed with ileo-colic side-to-side anastomosis. She developed systemic candidosis in the postoperative course with a good evolution under antifungal treatment. Histopathological exam of the surgical specimen concluded to lesions consistent with radiation enteritis. No recurrence occurred after a follow-up of three months. Preventive measures before radiotherapy could avoid radiation enteritis, surgical treatment, and lifethreatening invasive candidosis