The value of computerized tomography for preoperative staging of stomach cancer

The validity of computed tomography (CT) for the preoperative staging (TNM) of gastric carcinoma was studied in 74 patients, first in a prospective study, then under routine clinical conditions. Comparing CT-staging to intraoperative findings in the study patients showed correct assessment of the T-category in 70%, the N-category in 36%, and of both T and N in 26%. Validity was also low with 27% for both T- and N-staging when the CT was set against pathological-anatomical findings. The results in clinical routine were even more disappointing. The examination is of little value for deciding on operative indication and planning. Computed tomography therefore should not be part of a preoperative routine diagnostic assessment in gastric carcinoma.