The Role of Preoperative Imaging for the Treatment of Locally Recurrent Rectal Cancer

Purpose: to promote a better understanding of locally recurrent rectal cancer disease among surgeons, radiologists, radiotherapists and medical oncologists.  Since 1994, a specialized team in the Catharina Hospital Eindhoven is involved in the treatment of patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer. The complete resection rate increased from 42% to 65%. A 30% crude survival rate for all patients was attainable. After complete resection, a five-year survival rate above 40% was achieved (1). Imaging is the cornerstone for treatment planning. However, not merely the diagnosis, which is itself often difficult to obtain, but also the operative planning of the treatment is of interest to the team. The role of the different imaging modalities during consecutive phases of locally recurrent rectal cancer disease is discussed.