Risk of acute anastomotic leakage after preoperative radiotherapy in rectal cancer

Conclusions Radiotherapy may affect anastomotic healing and increase the risk of leakage. This risk is higher in low anterior anastomoses where a protective stoma may be considered. A better evaluation and support for patients with preoperative radiotherapy is needed in order to diminish the concomitant risk factors as much as possible.
Source: Journal of Acute Disease - Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research