Endoanal and endorectal ultrasound represents considerable progress in
the field of anorectal imaging. Its importance in the staging of rectal
and anal cancer, in identifying perianasto motic neoplastic recurrences,
in defining acute and chronic suppurative disease and in assessing
sphincteral anatomical integrity, is now a confirmed reality. The
evidence provided by endoanal and endorectal ultrasonography guides the
colorectal surgeon in his choice among the various therapeutic
approaches and helps in assessing the effects of the treatments applied.
The great flexibility and high degree of reliability make this
exploratory method an indispensable tool at all stages of the clinical
course in the majority of patients with anorectal problems, including
the fundamental follow-up stage. The publication of this excellent
volume on intraanal and intrarectal ultrasonog raphy is therefore to be
appreciated, especially since it is in the form of an atlas. As we are
dealing with imaging, it is particularly appropriate that it is the
images that tell the story. Like all important things, this volume does
not come out of nothing. It is the result of many years of skilled work
by Drs. G.A. Santoro and G. Di Falco and is based on the experience of
internationally renowned professional experts. The ten sections of the
atlas begin with general information on ultrasonography, gradually
progressing to the technical problems of the method and the aspects rela
tive to anorectal tumors.This last section leads to a review of
traditional and mod ern therapeutic possibilities."