Recurrent carcinoma of the colon in the anastomosis diagnosed by roentgen examination and colonoscopy.

After resection for cancer of the large bowel recurrence at the anastomosis occurs in about 10%. In 30 operated cases roentgenography and colonoscopy were performed. In 18 cases roentgen examination gave rise to suspicion of recurrence at the anastomosis but this was confirmed by colonoscopy and surgery only in 6 cases. In two additional cases with normal roentgenographic findings recurrence at the anastomosis and a second primary cancer were diagnosed by colonoscopy in one case each. The clinical symptoms provided no guidance in the diagnosis of recurrence. Roentgen examination is admittedly less conclusive than colonoscopy for discovery of recurrent and metachronous carcinoma. The methods are, however, complementary and both examinations should be regularly carried out in order to establish an early diagnosis.