CT in the follow-up of rectal neoplasms
Malinverni, A.F.; Uffredi, S.; Franchini, L.; Sessa, G.; Marzoratti, M.R.
Minerva Medica 80(11): 1179-1182
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0026-4806 PMID: 2601870 Document Number: 339345
CT-scans were performed in the follow-up of 124 patients surgically treated for rectal carcinoma. CT allowed direct visualization of possible local recurrences and infiltration of neighbouring structures chiefly muscles and bones; it can also prove post surgical abscesses, metastatic spreads to lymph nodes and other structures such as liver, lung and bones; many of these lesions cannot so quickly and safely be demonstrated by other investigations. CT is also very helpful in radiation therapy planning. A CT guided percutaneous fine-needle aspiration biopsy can discriminate post surgical fibrosis from initial recurrences.