The Effect of Preoperative Radiotherapy on Systemic Collagen Deposition and Postoperative Infective Complications in Rectal Cancer Patients

Abstract

High-dose, short-term radiotherapy does not have a systemic effect on collagen accumulation, but a significant reduction is manifested in infected patients. Radiotherapy also impairs leukocyte production and increases the postoperative infective complication rate.

Effects of Two Conventional Preoperative Radiation Schedules on Anastomotic Healing in the Rat Colon

“…The adverse effect on wound healing is reflected by an excessive deposition of scar tissue in the anastomotic region leading to later development of strictures. An increased infectious complication rate, including perineal sepsis, has also been observed after preoperative RT in colorectal cancer patients [16,17] . This may suggest a harmful local and systemic effect of radiation (depending on dose and volume) to subsets of patients influencing morbidity and mortality [15] .…”

Combination of Pre-Operative Radiotherapy and Surgery Suppresses Local Accumulation of Collagen and TGF-β1 in Rats

“…However, neoadjuvant radiotherapy is associated with increased risk for complications [4,5]. The acute complications include infections and impaired wound healing [6 -8].…”

Postoperative Morbidity Following Chemoradiation for Locally Advanced Low Rectal Cancer

“…These infectious complications could be due to a significant reduction on collagen accumulation and an impaired leukocyte production. 27 Also, an impaired immune system status following major surgical procedures and/or pre-treatment may have a relevant influence on postoperative surgical infections. 28 Furthermore, one may speculate that postoperative morbidity is linked to the primary condition of the patient.…”