Evaluation of patients with clinically detected recurrence of rectal carcinoma: Current practice patterns of colorectal surgeons.

The optimal evaluation of patients with clinically suspected recurrence of rectal carcinoma following initial treatment has yet to be determined. We documented the intensity of the extent-of-disease workup conducted by colorectal surgeons when their patients with rectal carcinoma develop clinical evidence of metastases. A custom-designed questionnaire was mailed to all 1,795 members of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. Subjects were asked which laboratory tests and imaging studies they would order for one of their own generally healthy patients with a suspicious abnormality found during surveillance testing. The tests most frequently recommended were computed tomography and serum carcinoembryonic antigen level. Few tests were recommended by >90% of respondents. There is no consensus among experts in this common situation.