[The value of computer tomography in the diagnosis of local recurrences of carcinoma of the rectum (author's transl)].

The tendency of rectal carcinomas to recur makes it necessary to reexamine these patients repeatedly. The tissues remaining following resection of the rectum can only be examined directly by computer tomography. The value of this procedure in the diagnosis of local recurrences has so far not been established. The results of computer tomography must therefore be correlated with already established methods, particularly clinical examination and CEA measurements.