Computed tomography and endosonography in the preoperative staging of rectal carcinoma.

In 30 patients with rectal carcinoma the accuracy of computed tomography (CT) and endosonography (ES) was compared with the surgical specimen. Three cases were overstaged by ES and 4 cases were understaged by CT. The accuracy of ES was 84% and of CT only 76%. Both methods had advantages and limitations. An accurate staging of lymph node metastases was possible neither by ES nor by CT. - We advocate endosonography as the first imaging examination after proctoscopy. CT is recommended in endosonographic doubtful findings and in tight stenoses.