[Rectal endosonography for perirectal and non-tumor rectal changes]

The value of rectal endosonography was retrospectively evaluated in 39 patients with various rectal and perirectal diseases. Endosonography proved to be very helpful in demonstrating or excluding abscesses. In patients with aspecific minor inflammatory rectal diseases, endosonography was not very helpful. Endosonography is complementary to other imaging techniques like CT and MRI in establishing perirectal tumors. Endosonography shows the relationship of the rectal wall with an extrarectal tumor and is capable of demonstrating the extent of smaller tumors. It may contribute to the diagnosis of endometriosis in the rectovaginal space. In patients with anal pain endosonography can play an important role in demonstrating or excluding fistulas, abscesses and other diseases.