Suzanne Elizabeth McElligott MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Dmitry Rakita MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

John J. Hines MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Barak Friedman MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

1. Review the utility and safety of rectal contrast ehnahced abdominopelvic CT scans in evaluation of recent surgical colonic anastomosis. 2. Provide imaging examples of intact and leaking anastomosis. 3. Outline additional benefits that rectal contrast CT provides for this indication when compared to noncotrast and oral contrast CT.

Review the imaging findings of colonic anastomosis. Backround review of rectal contrast CT. Introduction and technical specifications of our protocol for rectal contrast CT. Appropriate patient selection. Imaging of recent colonic anastomosis without and with rectal contrast. Imaging appearances of intact and leaking colonic anastomosis.

Recent colonic surgical anastomosis are prone to leaks and rupture. CT imaging plays an important role in patient management. Traditional IV contrast and (+/- oral contrast) CT can demonstrate frank anastomotic ruptures and perianastomotic collections. Evaluations of small anastomotic leaks is more difficult. We describe our preliminary experience with utilizing water soluble rectal contrast CT in evaluations of such anastomosis.

McElligott, S, Rakita, D, Hines, J, Friedman, B, Benefits and Safety of Utilizing Rectal Contrast CT in Evaluation of Recent Colonic Anastomosis: A Preliminary Experience.  Radiological Society of North America 2006 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 1, 2006 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2006/4427495.html