Endorectal ultrasonography has become important part of preoperative staging
of rectal cancer, providing adequate information for clinical decision-
making in many cases. However, with the currently available ultrasonographic
equipment and techniques, a good deal of relevant information may remain
hidden. The advent of high-resolution three-dimensional endoluminal
ultrasound, constructed from a synthesis of standard two-dimensional
cross-sectional images, and of "Volume Render Mode," a technique to analyze
information inside a threedimensional volume, promises to improve the
accuracy of rectal cancer staging. The anatomic structures in the pelvis, the
axial and longitudinal extension of the tumor, the presence of slight or
massive submucosal invasion in early rectal cancer may be imaged in greater
detail. This additional information will bring an improvement for both
planning and conduct of surgical procedures.
Preoperative staging of rectal cancer: Role of 3D endorectal ultrasonography