[The value of transrectal sonography in assessing radiogenic rectal changes]

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Radiogenic rectal disorders are a significant concern following pelvic radiotherapy.
• Accurate diagnosis and staging are essential for effective patient management and monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical utility of transrectal ultrasonography (TRS) in diagnosing and staging radiogenic rectal disorders.
• To establish a grading system for sonographic changes associated with radiation-induced rectal issues.

Main Methods:

• Transrectal ultrasonography (TRS) was performed on 120 patients treated with pelvic radiotherapy for lower pelvic tumors.
• Patients were categorized into two groups based on time since radiotherapy and symptoms.
• A control group of 35 non-radiotherapy patients was also examined.
• Sonographic changes were graded (0-III) and histologically verified in a subgroup.

Main Results:

• TRS demonstrated a precise grading system for tumors in patients with radiogenic rectal disorders.
• The grading system showed importance in guiding further therapeutic procedures.
• TRS was valuable in evaluating tumor recurrences and secondary rectal malignancies.

Conclusions:

• Transrectal ultrasonography (TRS) offers precise grading of radiogenic rectal disorders.
• This precise grading is critical for optimizing therapeutic strategies.
• TRS aids in the detection of tumor recurrence and secondary malignancies in the rectal wall.