Patient acceptance of CT colonography and conventional colonoscopy: prospective comparative study in patients with or suspected of having colorectal disease.
OBJECTIVE
To prospectively evaluate, by means of self-assessed questionnaires, patient acceptance of computed tomographic (CT) colonography compared with that of conventional colonoscopy, when performed in patients with or suspected of having colorectal disease.


METHODS
One hundred eleven patients underwent CT colonography followed immediately by conventional colonoscopy. Patient acceptance was evaluated with questionnaires, and the proportions of patients who favored one examination were compared. The main variables were overall impression, discomfort during air filling or instrumentation, and perceived pain, evaluated by using ordered verbal descriptor scales after each examination. The preference for either examination was evaluated after completion of both examinations.


RESULTS
Of the 68 patients who favored one examination, 56 (82%) preferred CT colonography (P <.00001). Concerning overall impression of problems or discomfort in connection with the examination, 49 (69%) of 71 with a preference considered colonoscopy to be more difficult (P =.002). CT colonography was regarded as "not painful" by 62 (57%) of 108 patients compared with 28 (26%) for colonoscopy, and a larger proportion of patients rated pain as higher during colonoscopy than during CT colonography (95% CI: 30%, 56%). Discomfort from air filling of the colon was the major complaint about CT colonography.


CONCLUSIONS
CT colonography was considered less painful and less difficult overall than colonoscopy and was the preferred examination.
Svensson
Maria H
MH
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg University, SE-413 45 Göteborg, Sweden. maria.svensson@xray.gu.se
Svensson
Elisabeth
E
Lasson
Anders
A
Hellström
Mikael
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D023881:Colonography, Computed Tomographic; D003113:Colonoscopy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012002:Rectal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires