[Computerized tomography evaluation of local recurrence of operated and adjuvant radiation treated rectal carcinoma. Normal and pathological changes after operation and irradiation of rectal carcinoma in 956 CT examinations].

Colorectal carcinoma is one of the most common cancer in Germany. We want to evaluate the most reliable CT features indicating local recurrence of rectal cancer as early as possible. 232 patients suffering from rectal cancer being administered to our clinic from 1987-1998 were investigated. Criteria for inclusion: patients after surgery and radiotherapy of rectal cancer with a minimum follow-up of two years and at least 3 CT examinations. All CT examinations were analyzed standardized. The main target parameters for relapse were enlargement of a presacral mass, inhomogeneous appearance, asymmetric outlines, enlarged lymph nodes and infiltration of the surrounding structures. An unchanged appearance of the presacral space in more than three CT examinations after surgery correlated with freedom of recurrence.