Urgent Multidetector Computed Tomography in Colon Cancer: Postsurgical Changes and Early Complications

Abstract

Complications after surgery for colorectal cancer are common in emergency departments. Multidetector computed tomography plays a fundamental role in the follow-up of patients after surgery, because it enables the detection of relapse and complications. Radiologists need to be familiar with different surgical techniques and the normal postsurgical changes so that we can differentiate them from potential complications and relapse. This article reviews the multidetector computed tomography findings that can be considered normal after surgical intervention for colorectal cancer as well as the most common early complications seen in postsurgical colorectal cancer patients presenting at emergency departments.

Keywords: Cirugía colorrectal; Colorectal surgery; Complicaciones postoperatorias; Multidetector computed tomography; Postoperative complications; Tomografía computarizada multidetector.