Abstract
Purpose : A questionnaire survey was conducted to examine the present status of the preoperative evaluation of CRC in Japan in relation to the 60 Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum. Questions were asked on imaging modalities, colonoscopy, and future technology. Results : 77 member institutions and 25 non-member institutions responded to the questions. Both barium enema and colonoscopy (CF) were performed preoperatively in 61% and 44% of member and nonmember institutions, respectively. CF diagnosis was thought to be most valuable for the assessment of tumor invasion in early cancer in 54% of member institutions and 60% of non-member institutions. Broad agreement (member : 87%, non-member : 84%) was obtained on the use of abdominal computed tomography (CT) to detect lymph node metastasis. All institutions irrespective of membership perform abdominal CT for the detection of distant metastasis. Many respondents said restriction of preoperative assessment is necessary after introduction of diagnosis procedure combination (DPC).Conclusion : This survey reflects the current status of preoperative assessment of CRC in Japan, and suggests future directions.
