1990 Volume 32 Issue 11 Pages 2549-2554
Utility of Miniature Ultrasonic Probe (MUSP) in preoperative evaluation of colorectal cancer was assessed in comparison with the ultrasonic colonoscope, CF-UM 3. Fourteen lesions in 13 subjects were included in this study ; ultrasonic observation with both of the instruments was conducted in all cases. Visualization of the lesions was successful in 11 lesions (78.6%) with MUSP, and in 8 lesions (57.1%) with CF-UM 3. A lower rate of successful visualization by the latter instrument was explained by the fact that narrowing of the lumen precluded appropriate observation ; with MUSP, however, visualization was difficult when a lesion located in crooked portion. With MUSP, a correct diagnosis of the depth of cancer invasion was possible in 9 (81.8%) of 11 lesions with which visualization was successful ; with CF-UM 3, it was possible in 7 (87.5%) of 8 lesions Evaluation of the depth of cancer invasion was difficult in lesions of protrude type, especially with MUSP, due to the attenuation of ultrasound. With CF-UM3, visualization of paraintestinal lymph node enlargement was possible in all of th three cases in which lymph node metastasis was revealed by postoperative evaluation ; with MUSP, however, it was possible in only one of four cases. By the development of MUSP, visualization of lesions with marked luminal narrowing has become possible. At present, however, the quality of the ultrasonic image of MUSP was significantly inferior to that of CF-UM3, and improvement of the quality of image is an urgent problem with MUSP for the purpose of evaluation of minute changes and lymph node metastasis.
