CT Detection of Hydronephrosis in Resected Colorectal Cancer: a Predictor of Recurrent Disease

Abstract

AIM: To investigate the causes and significance of hydronephrosis in follow-up of colorectal cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Case notes and serial computed tomography (CT) examinations were reviewed of 75 patients (250 CT examinations) after resection for colorectal cancer in whom hydronephrosis developed on follow-up. RESULTS: The most common cause of hydronephrosis was a focal plaque-like mass centred on the peritoneum, demonstrated in 37 cases (49%). Patients with R1 (microscopic residual tumour) or R2 (macroscopic residual tumour) disease developed hydronephrosis at a median time of 13 months (90% CI: 9–18 months) compared with 22 months (90% CI: 17–26 months) for those having (R0) curative resection. Patients with pT4 invasion of peritoneum or adjacent organs developed hydronephrosis at a median of 14 months (90% CI: 6–16 months) compared with a median of 22 months in patients with pT3 tumours (90% CI: 11–27 months). Of 26 patients without an obvious cause of hydronephrosis on initial CT examination, follow-up CT demonstrated a definite mass lesion in 50%. Median survival after the onset of hydronephrosis was 6 months (range 1–34 months) with a 1-year mortality of 62%. CONCLUSIONS: Hydronephrosis is an important early indicator of colorectal cancer recurrence, even in the absence of a mass. Brown, G. etal. (2003). Clinical Radiology 58, 137–142.