Main description:

Imaging is now central to the investigation and management of anorectal and pelvic floor disorders. This has been brought about by technical developments in imaging, notably, three-dimensional ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which allow high anatomical resolution and tissue differentiation to be presented in a most usable fashion. Three-dimensional endosonography in anorectal conditions and MRI in anal fistula are two obvious developments, but there are others, with dynamic st- ies of the pelvic floor using both ultrasound and MRI coming to the fore. This atlas provides an easy way to gain a detailed understanding of imaging in this field. The atlas is divided into four sections covering the basic anatomy, anal/perianal disease, rectal/perirectal disease and functional assessment. One of the difficulties with developing an atlas is to strike the right balance - tween text and images. Too much text and it is not an atlas; too little text and the - ages may not be understood. The editors of this atlas are to be congratulated on achi- ing an appropriate balance. The images are all that one expects from an atlas, and the diagrams are excellent. The commentaries at the end of invited chapters are a valuable addition, placing what are relatively short, focussed chapters into context. They add balance and depth to the work and are well worth reading.

Contents:

SECTION I: Normal Anal Canal and Rectum Anatomy (2-D, 3-D anorectal Ultrasonography, pelviperineal Magnetic Resonance Image). Anal Canal Anatomy. Rectal Anatomy.- SECTION II: Anal and Perianal Diseases (2-D, 3-D anorectal US; pelviperineal MRI). Fecal Incontinence Anatomic Defects. Abscess and Anal Fistula. Staging and Follow-up of Anal Canal Neoplasm.- SECTION III: Rectal and Perirectal Diseases (2-D, 3-D anorectal US; pelviperineal MRI, TC scan). Benign and Malignant Neoplasias (Staging, Post-radiotherapy follow up, Limitations with source of errors). Large Pelvic Tumor. Miscellaneous (Endometriosis, Cyst, Rectal Solitary Ulcer, Muscle Hypertrophy, Rare Neoplasias).- SECTION IV: Large Bowel and Pelvic Floor Functional Assessment. Types, Indications and Technical Principles of the Image Tests (Colic Transit Time, Defecography, Pelviperineal MRI, Dynamic Transperineal Ultrasonography, Dynamic 2-D, 3-D Ultrasonography)