ThTP4.13 Discrepancy between preoperative MRI staging and post-operative histopathology staging in rectal cancer patients who had primary surgery. A retrospective study at a District General Hospital

Abstract

Abstract Aim The aim of this retrospective study was to analyse the discrepancy between preoperative MRI staging and post-operative histopathology staging of rectal cancer patients who had primary surgery. Methods A retrospective cohort study analysed the records of 47 patients with histology confirmed rectal cancer over the period of 5 years from 2017 to 2022. Data was collected from the hospital database. Results Forty-seven patients were evaluated. The mean age of presentation was 72 years. Out of 47 patients 65.95% (n=31/47) were men; 34.05 % (n=16/47) were women. Discrepancy in T staging and N staging were found in 44% (n=21/47) and 49% (n=22/45) patients respectively. Two patients had inconclusive N staging on preoperative MRI. In T stage discrepancy, 86 % ( n=18/21) were upstaged and 14% (n=3/21) were downstaged. In N stage discrepancy, 73%(n=16/22) were upstaged and 27% (n=6/22) were downstaged. Conclusion There was significant discrepancy in preoperative MRI staging and post-operative histopathology staging in our study. Discrepancy in rectal cancer staging has critical effects on management, outcomes, and survival rates of patients. Appropriate and accurate clinical radiological staging enables multi-disciplinary teams to plan optimal management approaches.