[Progress in the evaluation of lymphatic involvement in cancer of the rectum: endoscopic rectal lymphoscintigraphy].

The preoperative evaluation of lymphatic spread in rectal cancer constitutes a considerable problem. A prospective study including 45 patients operated for rectal cancer, was carried out in order to assess the diagnostic value of a new technique: endoscopic rectal lymphoscintigraphy. The results of the preoperative assessment were compared with histological data according to Dukes' classification (Dukes A/B: 22 cases, Dukes C: 23 cases). Analysis of these results revealed the sensitivity (80%), specificity (73%) and accuracy (80%) of this new technique. If, combined with endorectal ultrasonography, rectal lymphoscintigraphy might play highly significant role in identifying the indications for local excisions of small tumours; similarly, the effect of preoperative radiotherapy might be more thoroughly assessed.