Exciting technical advances in US, CT, and MRI over the past decade have greatly enhanced the challenging task of investigating intestinal, pelvic floor, and anorectal function and dysfunction. The goal of Imaging Atlas of the Pelvic Floor and Anorectal Diseases, edited and authored by internationally respected experts in the field, is to clearly and precisely present indications, techniques, limitations, sources of errors, and pitfalls of these imaging modalities. The concise text expertly describes the abundant, high-quality images that show the normal anorectal anatomy as well as the pathological appearance of the all-too-common large-bowel and pelvic floor functional diseases. The use of radiopaque markers in diagnosing colonic inertia; defecography, 3D US, and MRI in investigating obstructed defecation; 3D US and MRI in differentiating between benign and malignant anorectal neoplasms; CT and MRI in assessing pelviperineal anatomy and identifying pelvic tumors and inflammatory processes; and 2D and 3D US in determining appropriate treatment for fecal incontinence are discussed in depth. One of the atlas's strongest points is illustrating the use of 3D anorectal US with automatic scan in identifying complex anal fistula tracks, staging benign and malignant tumors, and postradiotherapy follow-up. Of particular importance is the description of novel dynamic techniques, such as dynamic transperineal US, in assessing pelvic floor functional diseases. Also importantly, this atlas demonstrates the value of a "team approach" between colorectal surgeons and radiologists for solving complex clinical disorders of the anorectum and pelvic floor.

Zusammenfassung
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.

Inhalt
Normal Anal Canal and Rectum Anatomy.- Two-dimensional Ultrasonography of Pelvic Floor and Anorectal Anatomy.- Three-Dimensional Ultrasonography of Pelvic Floor and Anorectal Anatomy.- Transperineal Ultrasonography of Pelvic Floor and Anorectal Anatomy: Technique and Images.- Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Pelviperineal Anatomy.- Anal and Perianal Diseases.- Two- and Three-dimensional Ultrasonography of Anatomic Defects in Fecal Incontinence.- Transperineal Ultrasonography of Anatomic Defects in Fecal Incontinence.- Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Anatomic Defects in Fecal Incontinence.- Two- and Three-dimensional Ultrasonography in Abscess and Anal Fistula.- Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Abscess and Anal Fistula.- Staging and Follow-up of Anal Canal Neoplasms with 2- and 3-D Ultrasonography.- Staging and Follow-up of Anal Canal Neoplasm with Magnetic Resonance.- Rectal and Perirectal Diseases.- Two- and Three-dimensional Ultrasonography inBenign and Malignant Rectal Neoplasms.- Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Benign and Malignant Rectal Neoplasms.- Pelvic Primary and Metastatic Tumors: Computed Tomography Images.- Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Pelvic Primary and Metastatic Tumors.- The use of PET/PET CT in the Management of Colorectal Cancer.- 2- and 3-D Ultrasonography of Endometriosis, Pelvic Cyst, Rectal Solitary Ulcer, Muscle Hypertrophy, Rare Neoplasms.- Large Bowel and Pelvic Floor Functional Assessment: Imaging Indications and Technical Principles.- Radiography and Radiopaque Markers in Colonic Transit-Time Studies.- Cinedefecography in Functional Pelvic Floor Disorders.- Dynamic Transperineal Ultrasonography.- Two-dimensional Introital Sonography in Patterns of Anorectal Prolapse in Women.- Dynamic Two- and Three-dimensional Ultrasonography: Echodefecography.- Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Defecography.