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Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Anorectal Diseases

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Reconstructive Surgery of the Rectum, Anus and Perineum

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Abstract

The selective use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has provided high resolution images of soft tissue for the management of cancer and complicated fistula-in-ano. It also has provided a better understanding of normal anorectal anatomy and the functional interaction of the pelvic floor and perineal structures during provocative maneuvers such as defecation, squeezing, and straining. Its use in rectal cancer has better defined the role of neoadjuvant therapies during follow-up. In complex cryptogenic fistula and perianal Crohn’s disease, MRI has assisted in the use of new reoperative techniques such as the LIFT procedure (ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract), fistula plugs, and fibrin glues, as well as in identifying patients best suited to advancement anoplasty and bowel diversion. This chapter outlines the normal (magnetic resonance) anatomy of the anorectum and the role of MRI in staging rectal cancer and anorectal fistulas, the interpretation of which has proven essential in the reconstructive/reoperative case.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, The Netherlands

    Sanne M. E. Engelen M.D., Ph.D.

  2. Department of Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands

    Geerard L. Beets M.D., Ph.D.

  3. Department of Radiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 5000, Maastricht, Limburg, 6202, AZ, The Netherlands

    Regina G. H. Beets-Tan M.D., Ph.D.

Authors
  1. Sanne M. E. Engelen M.D., Ph.D.
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  2. Geerard L. Beets M.D., Ph.D.
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  3. Regina G. H. Beets-Tan M.D., Ph.D.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Regina G. H. Beets-Tan M.D., Ph.D. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Tamworth Rural Referral Hospital, Dean Street, Tamworth, 2340, New South Wales, Australia

    Andrew P. Zbar

  2. Delware Street 420, Minneapolis, 55455, Minnesota, USA

    Robert D. Madoff

  3. , Dept. Colorectal Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, Florida, Cleveland Clinic Blvd. 2950, Weston, 33331, Florida, USA

    Steven Wexner

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© 2013 Springer-Verlag London

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Engelen, S.M.E., Beets, G.L., Beets-Tan, R.G.H. (2013). Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Anorectal Diseases. In: Zbar, A., Madoff, R., Wexner, S. (eds) Reconstructive Surgery of the Rectum, Anus and Perineum. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84882-413-3_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84882-413-3_4

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