Endorectal 3-D Ultrasound

Endorectal 3-D Ultrasound is an advanced type of imaging study that may be employed to examine, evaluate and stage rectal tumors that are initially identified during a colonoscopy. It can also be used to help diagnose the presence of sphincter defects, fistulas, abscesses, tears and other abnormalities within the rectum. This test employs a small, rotating transducer that is guided into the rectum and emits painless sound waves to create a 3-D picture on a computer monitor. The 3-dimensional imaging created by this technology allows for better visualization of the structures within the rectum than conventional, 2-D ultrasound and can provide additional information following a high-resolution MRI for purposes of evaluating early-stage cancers.