Komori et al reported complications following radiation therapy for advanced rectal cancer. These should be taken into consideration when planning care and in advising the patient. The authors are from Aichi Cancer Center Hospital in Nagoya.
Patient selection: Stage III rectal cancer, status post curative surgery with adjuvant pelvic radiation therapy
Complications:
(1) diarrhea
(2) ileus
(3) intestinal perforation
(4) ileovesical fistula
(5) pelvic inflammation
(6) cystitis
(7) sacral osteolysis
(8) lower extremity edema
Complications may occur single or in combination.
Complications may occur early or may be delayed, up to 10 years after therapy.
Complications that may be persistent:
(1) gut complications
(2) multiple complications
(3) late-onset complications
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