[The value and limits of endorectal sonography in the preoperative stage classification of rectal cancer].

The article deals with the valuation of endorectal and abdominal sonography in preoperative staging of rectal carcinoma. Data processing of 40 patients suffering from tumours of the rectum examined rectoscopically, by biopsy and via sonography showed that endorectal sonography can achieve preoperative staging (T) with a sensitivity of 89%, a specificity of 100%, a positive predictive value of 89% and a negative predictive value of 100%, the overall accuracy being 81%. Identification of pararectal adenopathies can be performed with a sensitivity of 16% and a specificity of 100%. Liver metastases were determined with a sensitivity and specificity of 100%. Hence, endorectal sonography is a valuable method for preoperative staging of carcinoma of the rectum.