Table 1 Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria

1) Clinic stage II–III cancer (T3–T4 tm and/or N(+) disease)

2) Patients with histologically confirmed adenocarcinoma of the rectum

3) Tumor distal border located within 15 cm from anal verge (as measured by rigid rectoscopy)

4) Standardized TME surgery

5) Tumor must be clinically resectable with curative intent (R₀ resection must be most likely)

6) Elective operation

7) The patient must consent to be in the study and the informed consent must be signed

Exclusion criteria

1) Clinic stage I and IV cancer disease

2) Patients with malignant disease of the rectum other than adenocarcinoma

3) Palliative resection (R₂)

4) Recurrent rectal cancer

5) Emergency cases (MBO, perforation)

6) ASA > 3 patients

7) Other previous or concurrent malignancies

8) Any contraindication for radiochemotherapy

9) Previous chemotherapy or radiotherapy to the pelvis

10) Tumor has arisen from chronic inflammatory bowel disease or hereditary polyposis disease