[Preoperative radiotherapy in rectal cancer]

A combined therapy of the rectum carcinoma was performed from 1973 to 1980; a randomization was made between preoperative irradiation with 34.5 Gy and operation. The irradiation was performed with Co-60 with opposing fields, including the small pelvis as well as the para-aortal region of the 2nd lumbar vertebra. The evaluation of March 1983 showed a significantly higher number of deaths caused by the tumor in the only operated patients. With respect to side effects, there are no essential differences between the preirradiated and the only operated group.