Radiology, Vol 155, 305-310, Copyright © 1985 by Radiological Society of North America
Local recurrence after sphincter-saving resection for rectal and rectosigmoid carcinoma. Value of various diagnostic methods
E Grabbe and R Winkler
The authors reviewed 51 cases of local recurrence after sphincter- saving
resection for rectal and rectosigmoid carcinoma to assess the sensitivity
of current diagnostic procedures. A combination of follow- up serum CEA
levels and rectoscopy was found to be most efficient during the first two
years after surgery in terms of the time, frequency, and location of the
recurrence as well as the cost-benefit ratio. On the other hand, almost all
recurrent lesions developed extraluminally, infiltrating the suture line
secondarily; moreover, one fourth extended outside the bowel wall. Thus in
addition to endoscopy, CT is useful as a means of defining the entire mass
at the anastomosis as well as detecting pericolic recurrence and is
essential if repeat resection is contemplated.
