The value of endoluminal ultrasonography and computed tomography in the staging of rectal cancer: a preliminary study

A prospective study was carried out in 14 patients with rectal cancer. Tumors were staged preoperatively by endoluminal ultrasonography (EU) and computed tomography (CT). Patients were followed postoperatively for 2 years by the same modalities. Extramural spread was 100% (9/9), accurately assessed by EU and 77.8% (7/9) with CT. Lymph node sensitivity was 87.5% for EU and 37.5 for CT (P less than 0.05). Overall accuracy of lymph node metastases was 85.7% for EU and 57.1% for CT (P less than 0.1). In conclusion, the study shows EU to be statistically more accurate for nodal metastases than CT; therefore, its routine use can be recommended in the preoperative staging of rectal carcinoma in those patients for whom a sphincter-saving procedure is considered.