Radiological diagnosis of recurrent colonic carcinoma at the anastomosis

The barium enemas of 23 cases of end-to-end anastomosis following resection of a colonic carcinoma demonstrated that the normal anastomosis should be smooth, symmetrical, and have a regular mucosal pattern. In contrast the three patients reported with proven recurrent carcinoma at the anastomosis showed irregular asymmetrical filling defects1. As a base line the anastomosis should be investigated with a limited double-contrast enema examination six weeks after operation. Earlier examinations may show irregularity due to incomplete healing.