[Diagnostic value of computed tomography in stomach cancer]

60 patients with gastric cancer were checked by computed tomography; 57 underwent surgery. Small tumors could not be demonstrated reliably. Double contrast studies and gastroscopy remain the leading diagnostic procedures. In advanced cases computed tomography informs the surgeon about extragastric tumor expansion and the existence and location of metastatic disease. Nearly all carcinomas with a diameter of more than 2 cm in computed tomography proved to be stage T4 (UICC). In selected cases diagnostic laparotomy could be avoided. Because of the lack of therapeutic alternatives the influence of computed tomography on the regimen is limited. Therefore CT-studies are not absolutely necessary in gastric cancer, but can be very helpful in selected cases.