Localization of the peritoneal reflection in the pelvis by endorectal ultrasound

BACKGROUND: Large adenomas and low-risk rectal carcinomas (T1) that are localized distal of the pelvic peritoneal reflection (PPR) are treated by transanal excision. However, the location of the PPR varies widely and cannot be detected reliably by preoperative methods. Therefore, we evaluated the value of endorectal ultrasound (EUS) for the prediction of an intraperitoneal location of rectal tumors. METHODS: Fourteen patients with rectal tumors measuring