An irritation secondary to radiation therapy. This is commonly associated with patients who have received external beam radiation therapy for prostate cancer. It may occur in any part of the gastrointestinal tract.
Radiation Enteritis:
An irritation of the small intestine secondary radiation therapy. Often times patients who have lymphoma may receive abdominal radiation as part of their therapy. Radiation enteritis is a possible complication.
Rectal Manometry:
A test which measures the pressure produced by the rectal and anal sphincter muscles.
Rectal Prolapse:
A condition in which the rectum slips out of its normal position within the body through the anus. It may be put back in place (reduced) by insertion of the finger. If this is not possible, surgery may be required. A potential complication of this condition is intestinal ischemia (lack of blood flow to the colon).
Rectum:
The last portion of the colon.
Retching:
Dry vomiting
Rotavirus:
A virus which causes diarrhea in United States. This is especially common in children under age 2. Another viral agent which causes diarrhea is the Norwalk virus.
