Intraoperative Radiotherapy In Abdominal Surgery-Own Experiences

Background. Intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) can be applied for locally advanced tumors and expected or unavoidable R1 situations combined with surgical resection. The aim is to improve local tumor control and long-term survival. The indications are primary and recurrent intra-abdominal and retroperitoneal tumors. This study aimed to evaluate own data and experiences with IORT combined with surgical visceral resection.Methods. Patients who underwent IORT combined with abdominal tumor resection in the Department of General and Visceral Surgery at the University Medical Center Freiburg between January 2008 and December 2018 were included in this study. The results were retrospectively evaluated regarding short-term and long-term outcomes.Results. The most frequent indications for IORT were sarcoma followed by rectal and anal cancers. The median IORT dose used was 15Gy (range 8-19Gy). With a median comprehensive complication index (CCI) of 11.9, complications occurred in 24% of patients (Dindo-Clavien >= degrees III). The 90-day mortality was 0%. Especially in recurrent anal cancer the local control after 1 year was insufficient despite R0 resection.Conclusion. In this cohort of patients IORT could be applied with acceptable morbidity. Nevertheless, the indications and patient selection are critical factors for carrying out the treatment. The effect of IORT to improve local tumor control and long-term survival should be evaluated in further studies.