[Transrectal ultrasonography in the assessment of anal and rectal tumors]

Transrectal ultrasonography was initially devised for prostatic evaluation but it has also been shown to be useful in the study of carcinoma of Rectum and Anus. 3 patients with carcinoma of the anal canal and 17 with carcinoma of the rectum were studied in order to define invasion of neighbouring organs and regional nodes. In 11 patients (55%) the extension of the tumor was to muscular layer. In 5 patients (25%) the study showed invasion to peri-rectal fat and presence of lymph nodes in 10 cases. In 4 patients (20%) the procedure showed invasion to neighbouring organs and preoperative radiation treatment was the indication.