[Computed tomography in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer]

In order to study the potentialities of computerized tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer and assessment of its spreading, 107 patients (subsequently operated on) were investigated. CT of the colon was performed against a background of a contrast study per os, CT of the rectum was performed against a background of inserting a thin wall latex balloon and rated inflation of it with air. Comparison of the results of this investigation with operative findings led to a description of CT semeiotics of colorectal cancer, and a study of the signs of spreading to various organs and structures as well as of metastatic involvement of the regional lymph nodes and liver. The use of CT for colorectal cancer in combination with other methods of examination helped choose the optimum therapeutic tactics and define the volume of operation.