Role of MRI in postoperative assessment and detection of recurrence in cancer rectum

ABSTRACT

Background: rectal cancer constitutes about one third of all gastrointestinal tumor. High resolution MRI plays a pivotal role in the post-operative follow up and also plays an important role in detection of recurrence. It is the best modality to assess the relations of the rectal tumor and the potential circumferential resection margin [CRM]. Therefore it is currently considered the method of choice for local staging of rectal cancer and follows up after total mesorectal excision [TME] and detection of residual or recurrent cancer