Comparative study of transrectal ultrasonography, pelvic computerized tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging in preoperative staging of rectal cancer

Abstract

Both transrectal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging with endorectal coil exhibited similar accuracy and were superior to conventional computed tomography in preoperative assessment of depth of invasion and adjacent organ invasion. Because transrectal ultrasonography is a safer and more cost-effective modality than magnetic resonance imaging, transrectal ultrasonography is an appropriate method for preoperative staging of rectal cancer. Further efforts will be needed to provide a better staging of lymph node involvement.