title: Rectosigmoid complications of radiotherapy in stage 3B carcinoma of the cervix.
abstract: A retrospective analysis of 165 patients with Stage 3 B carcinoma of the cervix treated with radiotherapy alone was done; 120 patients were treated with a combination of external radiotherapy and intracavitary treatment while 45 patients received external radiotherapy only. Early rectosigmoid reactions were seen in 65% of cases with Grade 1, 2 and 3 reactions in 40%, 20% and 5% of cases respectively. Late rectosigmoid sequelae were observed in 25 patients (16%) with moderate complications in 5%. Severe rectal complications were seen in 2 women only. Rectosigmoid complications are the most common sequelae of pelvic irradiation and seen more in advanced stages where a greater dose is given by external radiotherapy. The role of rectal dosimetry is equivocal if proper precautions are taken during intracavitary treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiotherapy, Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute, Ahmedabad, India.
authors.forename: R K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Vyas
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dixit
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Singhal
authors.forename: H A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Baboo
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Aurora
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Venkatratnam
mesh_terms: D001918:Brachytherapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007410:Intestinal Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D007422:Intestines / Q000528:radiation effects; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D012002:Rectal Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D012007:Rectum / Q000528:radiation effects; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*