Role of multi-detector CT in staging of Colorectal carcinoma ? A correlative study

Aim: To study the CT characteristics of wall thickening in case of benign and malignant lesions of the colon and rectum, to evaluate the role of MDCT in pre-operative tumour staging of colorectal malignancies and to evaluate the effectiveness of MDCT in differentiating benign and malignant colorectal lesions. Material and methods: It was correlative study done on patients with wall thickening involving the colon and rectum on CT were included. CT was performed using 16 slice SIEMENS SOMATRON Emotion CT scanner. CT findings were finally correlated with histopathology. Results: Patients with complaints of loose stools, vomiting, weight loss, constipation, bleeding PR, abdominal pain were evaluated by CT scan and which showed findings that were highly suggestive findings of malignancy like bowel wall thickening, presence of lymph nodes, peri-colic fat stranding, infiltration of adjacent viscera and presence of metastases. Conclusion: MDCT is an excellent modality in the diagnosis and differentiation of benign and malignant lesions of the colon and rectum. MDCT is also useful in the staging of malignant lesions which helps in proper planning of surgery and further management of the patient.