[Imaging of rectal cancer--key to treatment decisions]

The current guidelines (EURECCA consensus statement 2013) for preoperative imaging of rectal cancer recommend MRI for local staging and CT of the chest, abdomen and pelvis for detection of distant metastases. High resolution MR enables preoperative identification of poor prognostic features. These poor prognostic features are correlated with an increased risk of local recurrence and/or metastatic disease. MRI enables the preoperative multidisciplinary team to decide whether a patient benefits from adjuvant therapy and which surgical technique should be used. A radiological structured report helps clinicians get the most out of the report and increases the number of optimal reports.