Colorectal cancer screening: the potential role of virtual colonoscopy.
Virtual colonoscopy is a promising new technique that combines rapid spiral CT scanning of the abdomen with advanced computer programs capable of re-creating two- and three-dimensional views of the colon and rectum. Recent studies comparing this method with conventional colonoscopy show that virtual colonoscopy already is more accurate than barium enema X-ray studies for the detection of colorectal polyps, and that it approaches the accuracy of colonoscopy for diagnosing advanced lesions. Before virtual colonoscopy can be promoted for population-based screening for colorectal cancer, a number of issues discussed in this review need to be addressed. These include questions of accuracy, availability, acceptability, and cost-effectiveness.
Gastroentreology Section, VA Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA.
John H
JH
Bond
D023881:Colonography, Computed Tomographic; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D015203:Reproducibility of Results