“Complications in rectal cancer treatment and optimisation of locally advanced rectal cancer care”

Keywords: rectal cancer, treatment, complications

In patients with a locally advanced rectal tumour, the tumour grows into surrounding tissues and organs. During intensive treatment by radiation therapy and chemotherapy followed by surgical resection, treatment complications often occur. Bowel obstruction can be an early complication of rectal cancer. Adequate treatment by placing a stoma according to a fixed plan can prevent later problems. Although leakage at the surgical seam is an important complication of surgical treatment and causes significant morbidity, this can be treated adequately with good long-term results. Removal of the tailbone or ureters because of tumour ingrowth does not adversely affect these results. In the future, less intensive pre-treatment and less extensive surgery will reduce the incidence of complications.