Three-dimensional transrectal ultrasound: preliminary patient evaluation

Transrectal ultrasound is uniquely useful in diagnosing and localizing the extent of lower colon and rectal disease. This paper reports the preliminary evaluation of three-dimensional intraluminal ultrasound imaging of normal and diseased rectal segments. The three-dimensional reconstructions were produced using a computerized PC based image analysis system which aligns ultrasound images to produce the three-dimensional images. A unique perspective for displaying both normal and pathologic anatomy is achieved using this new technology and the method has promising diagnostic and therapeutic potentials.