Value of follow up study by new imaging methods applied on the diagnosis of postoperative local recurrence in rectal cancer

One hundred and sixty patients who had undergone curative resection for rectal carcinoma were divided into three groups according to the risk of local recurrence and followed up by a follow up program based on new imaging methods such as MRI, CT, EUS and so on. The rate of local recurrence in A (low risk) group was 0%, and in B (intermediate risk) group was 11.3%, and in C (high risk) group was 23.2%. The new imaging methods were useful for the detection of local recurrence. Especially, the relaxation times measured by MRI were useful for the differentiation of local recurrence and scar tissue. However, the final diagnosis of local recurrence was almost done by CT-guided biopsy. In summary, systematic follow up program using the new imaging methods was very important for the early detection of local recurrence. (author)