[CT diagnosis of recurrent rectal carcinoma following surgery]

It is well known that CT-scan imaging is very useful for diagnosing recurrence of a rectal carcinoma after surgical resection. According to this technique of investigation, more than 95% of recurrences are discovered and their size and pattern can be accurately defined. Furthermore, in case a postoperative fibrosis may be confused with a true recurrence, it is possible to punction percutaneously the mass with the help and guidance of the CT-scan. These findings were assessed and confirmed in 43 patients in the present retrospective study.