1.   Chronic radiation enteritis is now recognised as a frequent and clinically important sequel of abdominal and pelvic irradiation treatment for malignant disease.

2.   Although intestinal stricture and associated bacterial overgrowth are well recognised in chronic radiation enteritis, in most cases the pathophysiology of the diarrhoea is uncertain.

3.   Our observation of a high prevalence of bile acid malabsorption in patients with chronic radiation enteritis is consistent with the results of a previous study.

4.   A high prevalence of lactose malabsorption has been reported previously in patients with chronic radiation enteritis who required parenateral nutrition.

5.   Wehave shown for the first time that small intestinal and whole gut transit is faster in patients with chronic radiation enteritis.

6.   We andothers have reported that both small intestinal and total gut transit is faster in acute radiation enteritis.

7.   Medical therapy of diarrhoea caused by chronic radiation enteritis has been largely empirical and there have been no adequate controlled studies.