OBJECTIVESTo investigate the value of colonoscopy for the diagnosis and preoperative staging of colorectal cancer, and evaluate the significance of correct preoperative staging in guiding treatment.

METHODS28 patients with colorectal cancer were examined by general colonoscopy, magnifying endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasonography before operation. Preoperative staging, and proper treatment protocols were made.

RESULTSEndoscopy revealed that 15 of the 28 patients had early colorectal cancer and 13 advanced colorectal cancer. The correct diagnosis rate for preoperative staging was 100%; the accuracy of penetrating depth was 89% (25/28). In the early cases, tumour invasion was confined to mucosal layer in 11 patients and submucosal layer in 4. Six patients with early cancers 6 cm from the anus were treated by endoscopic mucosa resection (EMR) or EMR combined with open surgery. No postoperative recurrence was found by endoscopy during the period of follow-up for 12 - 40 months.

CONCLUSIONCorrect preoperative staging for colorectal cancer is of important significance in guiding treatment, especially in early staging cases. In order to improve the quality of life for colorectal cancer patients, we should treat them with individualized operation based on curative resection.