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Analysis Study Research Paper | Medical Surgical | Volume 15 Issue 4, April 2026 | Pages: 329 - 334 | India
Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Colonic, Rectal and Anal Canal Disorders: A Prospective Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Anorectal and colonic diseases encompass a wide spectrum of pathologies ranging from benign inflammatory conditions to advanced malignancies. Accurate imaging is a prerequisite for appropriate diagnosis, staging and surgical planning. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has emerged as a pivotal diagnostic tool owing to its superior soft-tissue resolution, multiplanar capability and functional characterization without ionizing radiation. Objectives: To evaluate the diagnostic utility of MRI in colonic, rectal and anal canal disorders with respect to local staging, extent of tumor spread, lymph node involvement and post-treatment surveillance, and to compare MRI findings with clinical and operative outcomes. Methods: A hospital-based prospective observational study was conducted on 20 patients presenting with colonic, rectal or anal canal pathologies at Guru Gobind Singh Hospital, Jamnagar. All patients underwent MRI on a 1.5 Tesla Siemens Magnetom Skyra using standardized T1W, T2W, STIR and post-contrast FATSAT sequences. Data were analyzed using SPSS software with descriptive statistics. Results: The study cohort comprised 12 males and 8 females (M: F = 1.5:1), predominantly in the seventh decade of life. Rectal lesions constituted 75% of cases. Bleeding per rectum was the most common symptom (65%). Lesions characteristically appeared hypointense on T1-weighted (89%) and hyperintense on T2-weighted sequences (70%). Post-contrast heterogeneous enhancement was noted in 75% of cases. Mesorectal fascia involvement was identified in 45% and anal sphincter involvement in 40% of cases. MRI achieved an overall staging accuracy of 94.8%. Residual or recurrent disease was detected in 30% of patients on follow-up imaging. Conclusions: MRI is an indispensable imaging modality for the comprehensive evaluation of colorectal and anal canal disorders. It surpasses the diagnostic limitations of conventional CT and ultrasonography, offers precise preoperative local staging, guides individualized therapeutic planning and enables effective post-treatment surveillance. Its widespread adoption as the standard-of-care for preoperative workup of these patients is strongly recommended.
Keywords: MRI, colorectal cancer, rectal carcinoma, anal canal disorder, local staging, mesorectal fascia, perianal fistula, neoadjuvant therapy, T-staging, post-contrast enhancement
How to Cite?: Dr. Kinari Chapla, Dr. Twinkal Jasani, "Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Colonic, Rectal and Anal Canal Disorders: A Prospective Observational Study", Volume 15 Issue 4, April 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 329-334, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=MR26404194141, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/MR26404194141