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Published in: International Journal of Colorectal Disease 6/2003

01-11-2003 | Original Article

Neoadjuvant radiation and chemotherapy in rectal cancer does not increase postoperative complications

Authors: G. Valero, J. A. Luján, Q. Hernández, M. de las Heras, E. Pellicer, A. Serrano, P. Parrilla

Published in: International Journal of Colorectal Disease | Issue 6/2003

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Abstract

Background and aims

Neoadjuvant radiation and chemotherapy in rectal cancer reduces local recurrences and increases the rate of conservative sphincter surgery. However, an increase in postoperative morbidity and mortality has also been observed. This study analyzed the operative difficulty and postoperative complications in patients with this treatment.

Patients and methods

Retrospective review of 103 patients with rectal cancer, divided into two groups: group A, 53 patients undergoing preoperative radiotherapy with 45 Gy combined with chemotherapy, and group B, 50 patients with rectal cancer who received surgery after diagnosis. Both groups were homogeneous. The two groups were compared for both technical difficulty, using intraoperative data and rate of complications.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups with regard to intraoperative or postoperative data. In group A there were 20 complications in 17 patients (32%) and in group B 22 complications in 19 patients (38%). The rates of perineal wound infection were similar. The percentage of anastomotic leaks was higher in group A. A greater number of anterior resections was performed in group A.

Conclusion

Preoperative radiation and chemotherapy in rectal cancer does not increase postoperative complications and increases the rate of sphincter-preserving surgery.
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Metadata
Title
Neoadjuvant radiation and chemotherapy in rectal cancer does not increase postoperative complications
Authors
G. Valero
J. A. Luján
Q. Hernández
M. de las Heras
E. Pellicer
A. Serrano
P. Parrilla
Publication date
01-11-2003
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
International Journal of Colorectal Disease / Issue 6/2003
Print ISSN: 0179-1958
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1262
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00384-003-0520-1

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