["Virtual colonoscopy": back to the future?].
"Virtual colonoscopy" is a new method of producing an endoscopic view of the colon without endoscopy. The images are derived from the data of conventional abdominal computer-tomography or magnetic resonance tomography, using modern computer programmes. The method makes it possible to detect colonic polyps or carcinomas with a sensitivity and specificity of 80%. The most interesting application of "virtual colonoscopy" may be as a screening method for colorectal polyps in preventing the development of colorectal cancer. This may improve patient acceptance for colorectal cancer screening programmes.
Bauerfeind
P
P
Abteilung für Gastroentrologie Universitätsspital Rämistrasse 100 CH-8091 Zürich. peter.bauerfeind@dim.usz.ch
D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003113:Colonoscopy; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D010349:Patient Compliance; D014584:User-Computer Interface