[Endorectal sonography in rectal cancer].

35 patients with rectal cancer were examined in a prospective trial by endorectal ultrasound. In 27 patients the sonographic diagnosis of tumour penetration was correct as compared with histologic findings, in 7 patients infiltration depth was overestimated, and in one case underestimated. In 21 resected specimens, examined postoperatively in a water tank with the same equipment, ultrasonic examination was correct in 17; in no case was the infiltration depth underestimated. The different technical approaches in local sonographic staging of rectal cancer are discussed.