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Updated: May 31, 2026
08:08
Evaluating Targeting Accuracy in the Focal Plane for an Ultrasound-guided High-intensity Focused Ultrasound Phased-array System
Published on: March 6, 2019
Does a learning curve exist in endorectal two-dimensional ultrasound accuracy?
O J Morris1, B Draganic, S Smith
1Hunter Colorectal Research, Private Medical Suites, 26 Lookout Road, New Lambton, NSW, 2305, Australia. owenjamesmorris@hotmail.com
Techniques in Coloproctology
|July 12, 2011
Summary
Endorectal ultrasound (ERUS) rectal cancer staging is accurate for T-stage, demonstrating adequate training within the Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSSANZ) fellowship. Accuracy did not improve with experience, suggesting an ERUS accreditation scheme is needed.
Area of Science:
- Colorectal surgery
- Medical imaging
- Oncology
Background:
- Assessing the adequacy of Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSSANZ) endorectal ultrasound (ERUS) training.
- Determining if a learning curve exists for ERUS in rectal cancer staging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the accuracy of ERUS for staging rectal cancer.
- To assess the impact of surgeon experience on ERUS staging accuracy.
Main Methods:
- Prospective audit of ERUS for rectal cancer staging by a single surgeon.
- Comparison of clinical, ERUS, and histological staging over 8 years.
- Analysis of T-stage and N-stage accuracy across three time periods.
Main Results:
- Overall accuracy for T-stage was 82% and for N-stage was 73%.
- ERUS staging accuracy for both T and N did not significantly change over time.
- ERUS was crucial when clinical assessment was not possible (32% of cases).
Conclusions:
- Endorectal ultrasound (ERUS) provides accurate T-stage information for rectal cancer.
- Competency in ERUS can be achieved during the CSSANZ fellowship.
- An ERUS accreditation scheme is recommended for future trainees.
