Rectal carcinoid tumor: endoscopic ultrasonographic detection and endoscopic removal

Eight patients with rectal carcinoid tumors were examined by endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) to assess the depth of invasion of the rectal wall. All resected tumors were contained within the submucosa and their depth of invasion was correctly diagnosed by EUS before treatment. Perirectal lymph nodes were not delineated by EUS. Four patients who were treated only with endoscopic polypectomy were completely cured as were four patients who had a surgical resection. EUS is useful in selecting the candidates for endoscopic removal or local resection and thus may help to avoid unnecessary radical surgery.