title: A comparison between intrastomal 3D ultrasonography, CT scanning and findings at surgery in patients with stomal complaints.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Since there are no reliable investigative tools for imaging parastomal hernia, new techniques are needed. The aim of this study was to assess the validity of intrastomal three-dimensional ultrasonography (3D) as an alternative to CT scanning for the assessment of stomal complaints.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty patients with stomal complaints, indicating surgery, were examined preoperatively with a CT scan in the supine position and 3D intrastomal ultrasonography in the supine and erect positions. Comparison with findings at surgery, considered to be the true state, was made.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both imaging methods, 3D ultrasonography and CT scanning, showed high sensitivity (ultrasound 15/18, CT scan 15/18) and specificity (ultrasound 2/2, CT scan 1/2) when judged by a dedicated radiologist. Corresponding values for interpretation of CT scans in routine clinical practice was for sensitivity 17/18 and for specificity 1/2.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  3D ultrasonography has a high validity and is a promising alternative to CT scanning in the supine position to distinguish a bulge from a parastomal hernia.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Sunderby Hospital/Umeå University, 97180, Luleå, Sweden, pia.nasvall@nll.se.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Näsvall
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Wikner
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Gunnarsson
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rutegård
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Strigård
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006547:Hernia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D054047:Surgical Stomas / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014463:Ultrasonography; D055815:Young Adult