Risk of bacteremia in patients presenting with shaking chills and vomiting - a prospective cohort study.

Chills and vomiting have traditionally been associated with severe bacterial infections and bacteremia. However, few modern studies have in a prospective way evaluated the association of these signs with bacteremia, which is the aim of this prospective, multicenter study. Patients presenting to the emergency department with at least one affected vital sign (increased respiratory rate, increased heart rate, altered mental status, decreased blood pressure or decreased oxygen saturation) were included. A total of 479 patients were prospectively enrolled. Blood cultures were obtained from 197 patients. Of the 32 patients with a positive blood culture 11 patients (34%) had experienced shaking chills compared with 23 (14%) of the 165 patients with a negative blood culture, P = 0.009. A logistic regression was fitted to show the estimated odds ratio (OR) for a positive blood culture according to shaking chills. In a univariate model shaking chills had an OR of 3.23 (95% CI 1.35-7.52) and in a multivariate model the OR was 5.9 (95% CI 2.05-17.17) for those without prior antibiotics adjusted for age, sex, and prior antibiotics. The presence of vomiting was also addressed, but neither a univariate nor a multivariate logistic regression showed any association between vomiting and bacteremia. In conclusion, among patients at the emergency department with at least one affected vital sign, shaking chills but not vomiting were associated with bacteremia.

Respiratory adenovirus infections in immunocompetent and immunocompromised adult patients.

Adenovirus (AdV) can cause severe respiratory infections in children and immunocompromised patients, but less is known about severe AdV pneumonia in immunocompetent adults. In this retrospective study, we compared respiratory tract infections and pneumonia caused by AdV in immunocompromised and immunocompetent adult patients regarding clinical presentation and severity of infection. The results show that AdV can cause severe infections in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients, and the clinical presentation and need for hospitalisation, mechanical ventilation and antiviral treatment were equal in both groups. No underlying risk factors for severe AdV infection in healthy individuals were identified.

Acetic acid as a decontamination method for sink drains in a nosocomial outbreak of metallo-ß-lactamase-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

BACKGROUND: Pseudomonas aeruginosa may colonize water systems via biofilm formation. In hospital environments, contaminated sinks have been associated with nosocomial transmission. Here we describe a prolonged outbreak of a metallo-ß-lactamase-producing P. aeruginosa (Pae-MBL) associated with sink drains, and propose a previously unreported decontamination method with acetic acid. AIM: To describe a nosocomial outbreak of Pae-MBL associated with hospital sink drains and to evaluate acetic acid as a decontamination method. METHODS: The outbreak was investigated by searching the microbiology database, microbiological sampling and strain typing. Antibacterial and antibiofilm properties of acetic acid were evaluated in vitro. Pae-MBL-positive sinks were treated with 24% acetic acid once weekly and monitored with repeated cultures. FINDINGS: Fourteen patients with positive cultures for Pae-MBL were identified from 2008 to 2014. The patients had been admitted to three wards, where screening discovered Pae-MBL in 12 sink drains located in the patient bathrooms. Typing of clinical and sink drain isolates revealed identical or closely related strains. Pae-MBL biofilm was highly sensitive to acetic acid with a minimum biofilm eradication concentration of 0.75% (range: 0.19-1.5). Weekly treatment of colonized sink drains with acetic acid resulted in negative cultures and terminated transmission. CONCLUSION: Acetic acid is highly effective against Pae-MBL biofilms, and may be used as a simple method to decontaminate sink drains and to prevent nosocomial transmission.

Role of icodextrin in the prevention of small bowel obstruction. Safety randomized patients control of the first 300 in the ADEPT trial.

AIM: Adhesions are the most common cause of small bowel obstruction (SBO). The costs of hospitalization and surgery for SBO are substantial for the health-care system. The adhesion-limiting potential of icodextrin has been shown in patients undergoing surgery for gynaecological diseases. A randomized, multicentre trial in colorectal cancer surgery started in 2009 with the aim of evaluating whether icodextrin could reduce the long-term risk of surgery for SBO. Because of some concerns about complications (especially anastomotic leakage) after icodextrin use, a preplanned interim analysis of morbidity and mortality was conducted. METHOD: Patients with colorectal cancer without metastasis were randomized 1:1 to receive standard surgery, with or without instillation of icodextrin in the abdominal cavity. For the first 300 patients, the 30-day follow-up data were collected from the Swedish ColoRectal Cancer Registry (SCRCR). Pre-, per- and postoperative data, morbidity and mortality were analysed. RESULTS: Of the 300 randomized patients, 288 had a data file in the SCRCR. Twelve patients did not have cancer and another five did not have a resection, leaving 283 for analysis. The authors were blinded to the randomization groups. Demographic data were similar in both groups. The overall complication rate was 24% in Group 1 and 23% in Group 2 (P = 0.89). Four cases of anastomotic leakage were reported in Group 1 and five were reported in Group 2 (P = 1.0). Mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) stay and re-operations did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSION: The pre-planned safety analysis of the first 300 patients enrolled in this randomized trial did not show any differences in adverse effects related to the use of icodextrin. All data were gathered from the SCRCR, giving us a strong message that we can continue to include patients in the trial.

CT imaging for prediction of complications and recurrence in acute uncomplicated diverticulitis.

PURPOSE: The first randomized clinical trial of antibiotics in uncomplicated diverticulitis (the AVOD study) showed no benefit of antibiotics. The aim of this study was to re-evaluate the computed tomography (CT) scans of the patients in the AVOD study to find out whether there were CT findings that were missed and to study whether CT signs in uncomplicated diverticulitis could predict complications or recurrence. METHODS: The CT scan images from patients included in the AVOD study were re-evaluated and graded by two independent reviewers for different signs of diverticulitis, including complications, such as extraluminal gas or the presence of an abscess. RESULTS: Of the 623 patients included in the study, 602 CT scans were obtained and re-evaluated. Forty-four (7 %) patients were found to have complications on the admitting CT scan that had been overlooked. Twenty-seven had extraluminal gas and 17 had an abscess. Four of these patients deteriorated and required surgery, but the remaining patients improved without complications. Of the 18 patients in the no-antibiotic group, in whom signs of complications on CT were overlooked, 15 recovered without antibiotics. No CT findings in patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis could predict complications or recurrence. CONCLUSION: No CT findings that could predict complications or recurrence were found. A weakness in the initial assessment of the CT scans to detect extraluminal gas and abscess was found but, despite this, the majority of patients recovered without antibiotics. This further supports the non-antibiotic strategy in uncomplicated diverticulitis.

Rectal cancer with synchronous liver metastases: Do we have a clear direction?

Rectal cancer is a common entity and often presents with synchronous liver metastases. There are discrepancies in management guidelines throughout the world regarding the treatment of advanced rectal cancer, which are further compounded when it presents with synchronous liver metastases. The following article examines the evidence regarding treatment options for patients with synchronous rectal liver metastases and suggests potential treatment algorithms.

Time trends, improvements and national auditing of rectal cancer management over an 18-year period.

AIM: The main aims were to explore time trends in the management and outcome of patients with rectal cancer in a national cohort and to evaluate the possible impact of national auditing on overall outcomes. A secondary aim was to provide population-based data for appraisal of external validity in selected patient series. METHOD: Data from the Swedish ColoRectal Cancer Registry with virtually complete national coverage were utilized in this cohort study on 29 925 patients with rectal cancer diagnosed between 1995 and 2012. Of eligible patients, nine were excluded. RESULTS: During the study period, overall, relative and disease-free survival increased. Postoperative mortality after 30 and 90 days decreased to 1.7% and 2.9%. The 5-year local recurrence rate dropped to 5.0%. Resection margins improved, as did peri-operative blood loss despite more multivisceral resections being performed. Fewer patients underwent palliative resection and the proportion of non-operated patients increased. The proportions of temporary and permanent stoma formation increased. Preoperative radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy became more common as did multidisciplinary team conferences. Variability in rectal cancer management between healthcare regions diminished over time when new aspects of patient care were audited. CONCLUSION: There have been substantial changes over time in the management of patients with rectal cancer, reflected in improved outcome. Much indirect evidence indicates that auditing matters, but without a control group it is not possible to draw firm conclusions regarding the possible impact of a quality control registry on faster shifts in time trends, decreased variability and improvements. Registry data were made available for reference.

Comparison between MRI and CT in prediction of peritoneal carcinomatosis index (PCI) in patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery in relation to the experience of the radiologist.

BACKGROUND: To compare CT and MRI for peritoneal carcinomatosis index (PCI) assessment and to compare assessments made by the radiologist based on their experiences. METHOD AND MATERIALS: MRI and CT of abdomen and pelvis were performed on 39 prospectively followed by surgery directly. Two blinded radiologists with different experience levels evaluated PCI separately on different occasions on 19 cases initially and later on the remaining 20. The agreement between the radiologists' assessment and surgical findings in total and per site were recorded. RESULTS: Total PCI: The experienced radiologist was able to assess total tumor burden correctly on both CT and MRI (kappa = 1.0). For the inexperienced radiologist the assessment was better on CT (kappa = 0.73) compared to MRI (kappa = 0.58). Different sites: The experienced radiologist showed high agreement with kappa = 0.77 for MRI and 0.80 for CT. Corresponding figures were 0.39 and 0.60 for the inexperienced radiologist. For the second phase the agreement levels increased for the inexperienced radiologist increased to 0.80 and 0.70, respectively. CONCLUSION: CT and MRI are equal when read by experienced radiologist. CT shows better results when read by an inexperienced radiologist compared to MRI, however the results of the latter can easily be improved.

Nomograms to predict survival and the risk for developing local or distant recurrence in patients with rectal cancer treated with optional short-term radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: In many European countries, short-term 5 × 5 Gy radiotherapy has become the standard preoperative treatment of patients with resectable rectal cancer. Individualized risk assessment might allow a better selection of patients who will benefit from postoperative treatment and intensified follow-up. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From patient's data from three European rectal cancer trials (N = 2881), we developed multivariate cox nomograms reflecting the risk for local recurrence (LR), distant metastases (DM) and overall survival (OS). Evaluated variables were age, gender, tumour distance from the anal verge, the use of radiotherapy, surgical technique (total mesorectal excision/conventional surgery), surgery type (low anterior resection/abdominoperineal resection), time from randomization to surgery, residual disease (R0 versus R1 + 2), pT-stage, pN-stage and surgical complications. RESULTS: Pathological T- and N-status are of vital importance for an accurate prediction of LR, DM and OS. Short-course radiotherapy reduces the rate of LR. The developed nomograms are capable of predicting events with a validation c-index of 0.79 (LR), 0.76 (DM) and 0.75 (OS). The proposed stratification in risk groups allowed significant distinction between Kaplan-Meier curves for outcome. CONCLUSION: The developed nomograms can contribute to better individual risk prediction for LR, DM and OS for patients operated on rectal cancer. The practicality of the defined risk groups makes decision support in the consulting room feasible, assisting physicians to select patients for adjuvant therapy or intensified follow-up.

COMPRES: a prospective postmarketing evaluation of the compression anastomosis ring CAR 27(™) /ColonRing(™).

AIM: Preclinical studies have suggested that nitinol-based compression anastomosis might be a viable solution to anastomotic leak following low anterior resection. A prospective multicentre open label study was therefore designed to evaluate the performance of the ColonRing(™) in (low) colorectal anastomosis. METHOD: The primary outcome measure was anastomotic leakage. Patients were recruited at 13 different colorectal surgical units in Europe, the United States and Israel. Institutional review board approval was obtained. RESULTS: Between 21 March 2010 and 3 August 2011, 266 patients completed the study protocol. The overall anastomotic leakage rate was 5.3% for all anastomoses, including a rate of 3.1% for low anastomoses. Septic anastomotic complications occurred in 8.3% of all anastomoses and 8.2% of low anastomoses. CONCLUSION: Nitinol compression anastomosis is safe, effective and easy to use and may offer an advantage for low colorectal anastomosis. A prospective randomized trial comparing ColonRing(™) with conventional stapling is needed.

Adjuvant chemotherapy for rectal cancer patients treated with preoperative (chemo)radiotherapy and total mesorectal excision: a Dutch Colorectal Cancer Group (DCCG) randomized phase III trial.

BACKGROUND: The discussion on the role of adjuvant chemotherapy for rectal cancer patients treated according to current guidelines is still ongoing. A multicentre, randomized phase III trial, PROCTOR-SCRIPT, was conducted to compare adjuvant chemotherapy with observation for rectal cancer patients treated with preoperative (chemo)radiotherapy and total mesorectal excision (TME). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The PROCTOR-SCRIPT trial recruited patients from 52 hospitals. Patients with histologically proven stage II or III rectal adenocarcinoma were randomly assigned (1:1) to observation or adjuvant chemotherapy after preoperative (chemo)radiotherapy and TME. Radiotherapy consisted of 5 × 5 Gy. Chemoradiotherapy consisted of 25 × 1.8-2 Gy combined with 5-FU-based chemotherapy. Adjuvant chemotherapy consisted of 5-FU/LV (PROCTOR) or eight courses capecitabine (SCRIPT). Randomization was based on permuted blocks of six, stratified according to centre, residual tumour, time between last irradiation and surgery, and preoperative treatment. The primary end point was overall survival. RESULTS: Of 470 enrolled patients, 437 were eligible. The trial closed prematurely because of slow patient accrual. Patients were randomly assigned to observation (n = 221) or adjuvant chemotherapy (n = 216). After a median follow-up of 5.0 years, 5-year overall survival was 79.2% in the observation group and 80.4% in the chemotherapy group [hazard ratio (HR) 0.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.62-1.39; P = 0.73]. The HR for disease-free survival was 0.80 (95% CI 0.60-1.07; P = 0.13). Five-year cumulative incidence for locoregional recurrences was 7.8% in both groups. Five-year cumulative incidence for distant recurrences was 38.5% and 34.7%, respectively (P = 0.39). CONCLUSION: The PROCTOR-SCRIPT trial could not demonstrate a significant benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy with fluoropyrimidine monotherapy after preoperative (chemo)radiotherapy and TME on overall survival, disease-free survival, and recurrence rate. However, this trial did not complete planned accrual. REGISTRATION NUMBER: Dutch Colorectal Cancer group, CKTO 2003-16, ISRCTN36266738.

Differences in pre-operative treatment for rectal cancer between Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium and the Netherlands.

Several studies have shown remarkable differences in colorectal cancer survival across Europe. Most of these studies lacked information about stage and treatment. In this study we compared short-term survival as well as differences in tumour stage and treatment strategies between five European countries: Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, and the Netherlands. For this retrospective cohort study all patients aged 18 years or older and operated on adenocarcinoma of the rectum without distant metastases and diagnosed in 2008 and 2009 were selected in national audit registries from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Differences in pre-operative treatment between the countries were compared using univariable and multivariable logistic regression. One year relative survival and one year relative excess risk of death (RER) were compared between the five countries. Large variation in the use of preoperative radiotherapy and chemoradiation was found between the countries. Even though, there was little variation in relative survival between the countries, except Sweden, which had a significant better one year RER of death among the elderly patients after adjustment. The differences in survival are expected to be caused by differences in peri-operative care, selection of patients, and especially management of elderly patients. The effects of preoperative treatment are expected to be seen on long term follow-up.

Impact of mechanical bowel preparation on survival after colonic cancer resection.

BACKGROUND: A randomized study in 1999-2005 of mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) preceding colonic resection found no decrease in postoperative complications. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the long-term effect of MBP regarding cancer recurrence and survival after colonic resections. METHODS: The cohort of patients with colonic cancer in the MBP study was followed up for 10 years. Data were collected from registers run by the National Board of Health and Welfare. Register data were validated against information in patient charts. Cox proportional hazards model was used for multivariable analysis of factors predictive of cancer-specific survival. RESULTS: Register analysis showed significantly fewer recurrences, and better cancer-specific and overall survival in the MBP group. After validation, 839 of 1343 patients remained for analysis (448 MBP, 391 no MBP). Eighty (17·9 per cent) of 448 patients in the MBP group and 88 (22·5 per cent) of 391 in the no-MBP group developed a cancer recurrence (P = 0·093). The 10-year cancer-specific survival rate was 84·1 per cent in the MBP group and 78·0 per cent in the no-MBP group (P = 0·019). Overall survival rates were 58·8 and 56·0 per cent respectively (P = 0·186). CONCLUSION: Patients receiving MBP before elective colonic cancer surgery had significantly better cancer-specific survival after 10 years.

Degree of blood loss during surgery for rectal cancer: a population-based epidemiologic study of surgical complications and survival.

AIM: The hypothesis tested in this study was that major blood loss during surgery for rectal cancer increases the risk for surgical complications and for small bowel obstruction (SBO) as a result of adhesions or tumour recurrence, and reduces overall survival. METHOD: Data were retrieved from the Uppsala/Örebro Regional Rectal Cancer Registry for all patients undergoing radical resection for rectal cancer during 1997-2003 (n = 1843) and were matched against the Swedish National Patient Registry regarding surgery and admission for SBO. These patient records were scrutinized to determine the etiology of surgery for SBO. The registry was scrutinized for blood loss and other surgical complications associated with surgery. Uni- and multivariate Cox analysis and logistic regression were used. RESULTS: Ninety-four (5.1%) patients underwent surgery for SBO > 30 days after the index operation: 82 for adhesions and 12 for tumour recurrence. The volume of blood lost did not influence the risk of surgery for SBO as a result of adhesions, but blood loss above the median (≥ 800 ml) increased the risk for surgery for SBO caused by tumour recurrence (hazard ratio = 10.52; 95% CI: 1.36-81.51). Increased blood loss increased the risk of surgical complications (OR = 1.78; 95% CI: 1.35-2.35 with blood loss of ≥ 450 ml) but did not reduce overall survival. Irradiation before surgery increased blood loss, complications and admission for SBO. CONCLUSION: Major blood loss during surgery for rectal cancer increases the risk of later surgery for SBO caused by tumour recurrence and surgical complications, but overall survival is not affected.

Cytoreductive surgery plus perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy in pseudomyxoma peritonei: aspects of the learning curve.

BACKGROUND: Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) plus perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy is a highly invasive treatment of peritoneal metastasis and requires many surgical procedures before mastering. The aim of this study was to estimate how many procedures are needed before stabilization can be seen in surgical outcome (R1 surgery, adverse events and bleeding) in patients with pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: All 128 patients with PMP who were treated with CRS alone or CRS plus perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy between 2003 and 2008 at the Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden, were included. The learning curve was calculated using the partial least square (PLS) and cumulative sum control chart (CUSUM) graph. Two groups were formed based on the results of the learning curve. The learning curve plateau was considered the same as the stabilization in the CUSUM graph. Group I consisted of patients included during the learning period (n = 73) and Group II of patients treated after the learning period ended (n = 55). Comparisons between the groups were made on surgical outcome, survival and adverse events. RESULTS: Stabilization was seen after 220 ± 10 procedures. A higher occurrence of R1 surgery was seen in Group II (80%) compared to Group I (48%; P = 0.0002). Overall survival increased at four years after surgery in Group II compared to Group I (80% vs. 63%; P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: CRS plus perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy is a highly demanding procedure that requires more than 200 procedures before optimisation in surgical outcome is seen.

The use of pre- or postoperative antibiotics in surgery for appendicitis: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The aim of this study was to review the literature regarding the use of pre- and/or postoperative antibiotics in the management of appendicitis, using data obtained from PubMed and the Cochrane Library. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A literature search was conducted using the terms "appendicitis" combined with "antibiotics." Studies were selected based on relevance for the evidence on prophylactic and postoperative treatment with regard to the route and duration of drug administration and the findings of surgery. RESULTS: Patients with acute appendicitis should receive preoperative, broad-spectrum antibiotics. The use of postoperative antibiotics is only recommended in cases of perforation, and treatment should then be given intravenously, for a minimum period of 3-5 days for adult patients, until clinical signs such as fever resolve and laboratory parameters such as C-reactive protein curve and white blood cell (WBC) start to decline. CONCLUSION: Preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended in all patients with acute appendicitis, whereas postoperative antibiotics only in cases of perforation.

Experts reviews of the multidisciplinary consensus conference colon and rectal cancer 2012: science, opinions and experiences from the experts of surgery.

The first multidisciplinary consensus conference on colon and rectal cancer was held in December 2012, achieving a majority of consensus for diagnostic and treatment decisions using the Delphi Method. This article will give a critical appraisal of the topics discussed during the meeting and in the consensus document by well-known leaders in surgery that were involved in this multidisciplinary consensus process. Scientific evidence, experience and opinions are collected to support multidisciplinary teams (MDT) with arguments for medical decision-making in diagnosis, staging and treatment strategies for patients with colon or rectal cancer. Surgery is the cornerstone of curative treatment for colon and rectal cancer. Standardizing treatment is an effective instrument to improve outcome of multidisciplinary cancer care for patients with colon and rectal cancer. In this article, a review of the following focuses; Perioperative care, age and colorectal surgery, obstructive colorectal cancer, stenting, surgical anatomical considerations, total mesorectal excision (TME) surgery and training, surgical considerations for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) and local recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC), surgery in stage IV colorectal cancer, definitions of quality of surgery, transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM), laparoscopic colon and rectal surgery, preoperative radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy, and how about functional outcome after surgery?

Population-based data from the Swedish Colon Cancer Registry.

BACKGROUND: Evaluating the external validity of clinical trials requires knowledge not only of the study population but also of a relevant reference population. The main aim of this study was to present data from a large, contemporary, population-based cohort of patients with colonic cancer. METHODS: Data on patients diagnosed between 2007 and 2011 were extracted from the Swedish Colon Cancer Registry. The data, registered prospectively in a national population of almost 10 million, included over 99 per cent of all diagnosed adenocarcinomas of the colon. RESULTS: This analysis included 18,889 patients with 19,526 tumours (3·0 per cent had synchronous tumours). The sex distribution was fairly equal, and the median age was 74·1 (interquartile range 65-81) years. The overall and relative (cancer-specific) survival rates after 3 years were 62·7 and 71·4 per cent respectively. Some 88·0 per cent of the patients were operated on, and 83·8 per cent had tumours resected. Median blood loss during bowel resection was 200 (mean 311) ml, and the median operating time was 160 min; 5·6 per cent of the procedures were laparoscopic. Preoperative chemotherapy was administered to 2·1 per cent of patients; postoperative chemotherapy was planned in 90·1 per cent of fit patients aged less than 75 years with stage III disease. In patients operated on in an emergency setting (21·5 per cent), the preoperative evaluation was less extensive, the proportion of R0 resections was lower, and the outcomes were poorer, in both the short and long term. CONCLUSION: These population-based data represent good-quality reference points.

Antimicrobial activity of fibrinogen and fibrinogen-derived peptides--a novel link between coagulation and innate immunity.

Fibrinogen is a key player in the blood coagulation system, and is upon activation with thrombin converted into fibrin that subsequently forms a fibrin clot. In the present study, we investigated the role of fibrinogen in the early innate immune response. Here we show that the viability of fibrinogen-binding bacteria is affected in human plasma activated with thrombin. Moreover, we found that the peptide fragment GHR28 released from the ß-chain of fibrinogen has antimicrobial activity against bacteria that bind fibrinogen to their surface, whereas non-binding strains are unaffected. Notably, bacterial killing was detected in Group A Streptococcus bacteria entrapped in a fibrin clot, suggesting that fibrinogen and coagulation is involved in the early innate immune system to quickly wall off and neutralise invading pathogens.

Short-term outcome after neoadjuvant high-dose-rate endorectal brachytherapy or short-course external beam radiotherapy in resectable rectal cancer.

AIM: Total mesorectal excision with preoperative radiotherapy reduces local recurrence in rectal cancer, but radiotherapy increases the risk of complications. This study compared the immediate postoperative outcome after external beam radiotherapy with outome after high-dose-rate endorectal brachytherapy (HDREBT). METHOD: Patients (n = 318) treated with preoperative HDREBT (6.5 Gy, daily, over 4 days) followed by surgery 4-8 weeks later were matched with 318 patients from the Swedish Rectal Cancer Register treated with short-course radiotherapy (SCRT; 5 Gy, daily, over 5 days) and surgery in the subsequent week and with 318 patients who had surgery only (i.e. no preoperative radiotherapy; RT-) All 954 patients were followed for 30 days after surgery. Complications were divided into surgical, cardiovascular and infectious. RESULTS: The SCRT group had fewer cardiovascular complications (3.1%) than did HDREBT (9.4%, P = 0.002) and RT- (7.2%, P = 0.03) groups. There was less perioperative bleeding in HDREBT patients (379.3 ml) than in SCRT (947.2 ml; P < 0.0001) or RT- (918.9 ml) patients, and the re-intervention rate was lower in HDREBT (4.1%) patients than in SCRT (14.2%; P = 0.005) and RT- (12.3%; P < 0.005) patients. The HDREBT group had fewer R2 resections than did the SCRT and RT- groups, but had a higher proportion of R0 resections compared with the RT- group (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: No major differences in postoperative complications were found. HDREBT patients had a higher rate of cardiovascular complications, but less perioperative bleeding and fewer re-interventions. A longer interval between radiotherapy and surgery may be beneficial for tumour regression and this could be reflected in the number of radical resections.