Medical Health Encyclopedia

Radiation therapy is also being used during surgery (a procedure called intra-operative radiotherapy.) It allows the surgeon to move healthy tissue out of the path of the radiation beam.

Side Effects of Radiation Therapy

Short-term side effects of radiation include:

• Diarrhea.
• Skin irritation around the anus.
• Incontinence.
• Fatigue.
• Bowel movement problems.

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Longer-term complications may include the following:

• Incontinence.
• Soiling.
• Hip and pelvic fractures.
• Diarrhea.
• Increased risk for bowel obstruction.