Benefits and risks
NICE decided that more evidence is needed about how well preoperative high dose rate brachytherapy works. The 9 studies that NICE looked at involved a total of 1900 patients.
There was some limited evidence that preoperative high dose rate brachytherapy may increase the response of the tumour to treatment and that fewer patients may need a permanent colostomy bag. However, this does not apply to all types of rectal cancer.
The studies showed that the risks of the procedure included:
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problems with the skin around the rectum and anus
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inflammation of the rectum
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infection of the wound or the surrounding tissue
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problems with wound healing
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a fistula forming (an abnormal passage between the rectum and the skin)
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narrowing of the rectum
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complications that needed more surgery.
If you want to know more about the studies, see the guidance. Ask your health professional to explain anything you don't understand.
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