[Endocavitary echography following abdominoperineal extirpation of the rectum]

Transrectal echography using a high-frequency transducer is a well established method for preoperative rectal carcinoma assessment, and for postoperative follow-up of patients with anterior resection for rectal carcinoma. Having in mind the impossibility for follow-up study of patients with abdominal perineal extirpation of the rectum by transrectal echography, a new pattern of application of the transducer employed for endorectal examination is suggested. In five patients (4 women and 1 man) endocavitary echography through the anal canal is done. In women the examination is supplemented by transvaginal echography. A local recurrence in the course, of transvaginal study is recorded in one patient. The technique of examination and the superiorities of the procedure are discussed.