The role of MRI in the pre‐operative staging of rectal cancer

Abstract

Pre‐operative local staging in patients with rectal cancer can be used to: •. Assign the most appropriate pre‐operative adjuvant therapy; •. Assist in surgical planning; •. Serve as an accurate baseline from which to compare the success of different treatment strategies. In image interpretation, the following prognostic information should be sought: •. Tumour T stage; •. The depth of extramural spread of tumour (depth beyond outer muscle wall); •. The relationship of the tumour to the peritoneal reflection; •. The relationship of the tumour to the anal sphincter complex; •. The distance from the outermost edge of the tumour to the mesorectal fascia; •. The presence and location of mesorectal deposits; •. The presence of other prognostic factors, such as extramural venous invasion and peritoneal invasion.