Rectal Polyps and Early Rectal Cancer Assessment by Three-Dimensional Endorectal Ultrasonography

Accurate preoperative staging of rectal polyps and early invasive rectal cancer may determine the choice between a submucosal or a full-thickness excision, or even a radical resection. Imaging modalities used for local staging include computed tomography, two-dimensional endorectal ultrasonography (2D-ERUS), and magnetic resonance. The new technique of high-resolution three-dimensional ERUS, constructed from a synthesis of standard 2D cross-sectional images, promises to further improve the accuracy. This tool seems to offer the best information on the depth of tumoral submucosal invasion and presence of mesorectal lymph node metastases, and may guide surgical planning. It also has the advantage of being an officebased procedure and is well tolerated, with fast acquisition times and relatively low cost.