Contrast-enhanced CT colonography with 64-slice MDCT compared to endoscopic colonoscopy in the follow-up of patients after colorectal cancer resection

Abstract 

Background

Seventy percent of newly diagnosed colorectal cancer cases are potential candidates for curative surgery, but after resection, in 30%, the tumor will recur.

Postoperative follow-up includes endoscopic colonoscopy (EC) and computed tomography (CT). There have been only a few publications on the use of contrast-enhanced CT colonography (CECTC) in the follow-up of these patients.

Methods

Twenty-nine consecutive patients after resection of colorectal cancer underwent CECTC and EC on the same day. CECTC studies were reviewed for identification of strictures, recurrence, polyps and metastases.

Results

The anastomosis was identified in 96% of patients on CECTC and in 82% on endoscopic colonoscopy. One stricture was identified by both techniques. One extraluminal recurrence was depicted only on CECTC. Sensitivity in detecting polyps was per polyp 93% and per patient 100%.

Conclusion

CECTC performed on a 64-slice multidetector CT is reliable in imaging the postoperative colon for the follow-up of patients after resection of colorectal cancer.

Keywords: CT colonography, Virtual colonoscopy, Colorectal cancer follow up, Endoscopic colonoscopy, Recurrent colorectal cancer