INCIDENCE OF ILEUS AFTER RECTAL RESECTION FOR RECTAL-CARCINOMA, WITH AND WITHOUT ADJUNCTIVE RADIATION-THERAPY

Between 1984 and 1989 240 patients underwent radical abdominal resection of a rectal carcinoma. Out of 201 patients surviving 12 months or more postoperatively, 2 groups are surveyed. The first group presents patients undergoing adjunctive radiation therapy (n = 47), while the second group did not undergo postoperative radiation therapy (n = 134). Mean follow-up time postoperatively is 39 months. Within the irradiation group, the incidence of ileus was found to be 23% (11/47), and in the non-irradiated group 8% (11/134). Subsequent reoperations to clear intestinal obstruction were performed in 4% (5/134) of non-irradiated patients and 21% (10/47) of the irradiated group. Considering the increased risk of postoperative ileus after rectal resection for rectal carcinoma, the appropriateness of adjunctive radiation therapy should be carefully assessed.