Co-relation of multidetector CT scan based preoperative staging with intra-operative findings and post-operative histological staging of colorectal carcinoma

Abstract Aim To assess the accuracy of CT scan in preoperative staging, to correlate preoperative findings with operative findings and with post-operative histopathological findings of colorectal carcinoma. Methods Twenty-six diagnosed cases of colorectal carcinoma were included in the study. They were evaluated preoperatively by 64 slice multidetector CT (MDCT) scan. Intra-operative evaluation was done at the time of surgery. Post-operative evaluation was based on detailed histological examination by experienced pathologist. Data was statistically assessed by SPSS software (version 14.0) and the correlation was deduced from “kappa” value and “ P ”. Results The correlation of CT scan staging is significant ( P  ≤ 0.0001) when compared to intra-operative staging. MDCT findings correlated with intra-operative findings in terms of site of lesion ( P P P P P  = 0.004). In estimating size of lesion, it also correlated with the intra-operative findings (44 %). MDCT findings correlated with histopathological findings in terms of site of lesion ( P P P  = 0.018) and size of lesion. The CT findings did not correlated significantly in terms of pericolic/ perirectal fat involvement ( P  = 0.127) and assessment of lymph nodes ( P  = 0.68). Conclusion Multidetector CT scan can be useful in the preoperative assessment of patients with colorectal carcinoma as a means for assisting surgical planning.