Endoluminal ultrasound for early detection of local recurrence of rectal cancer

The diagnostic potential of endoluminal (endorectal and endovaginal) ultrasound to detect asymptomatic resectable local recurrence after rectal cancer surgery has been assessed in 120 patients: 17 recurrences (14 per cent) were detected. The method showed 97 per cent accuracy, 94 per cent sensitivity and 98 per cent specificity; the positive predictive value was 85 per cent and the negative predictive value was 99 per cent. A longer follow-up is, however, necessary to confirm these results. Of the 17 patients with local recurrence, six were asymptomatic and underwent reoperative surgery. Of the other 11 patients with symptomatic recurrence, only two underwent reoperative surgery.