The appearances on computed tomography after abdomino-perineal resection for carcinoma of the rectum: a comparison between the normal appearances and those of recurrence

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Abstract
Computed tomography [CT] is well recognized as a means of showing recurrent tumor in patients who have undergone abdominoperineal resection for carcinoma of the rectum. The appearance of recurrent tumor has to be distinguished from that of normal postoperative fibrous tissue. To define the normal postoperative appearances CT was carried out on 15 patients at various intervals up to 18 mo. after the operation. All the patients were clinically free of recurrence at the time of the scan and for at least 6 mo. afterwards. The appearances were compared with those of 19 patients who had local recurrence at the time of scanning. The normal appearances are outlined, pitfalls in diagnosis are described and points of differentiation between the normal appearance and recurrent tumor are discussed.