Intra-individual comparison of patient acceptability of multidetector-row CT colonography and double-contrast barium enema.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the subjective acceptability of CT colonography in comparison with barium enema in older symptomatic patients, and to ascertain preferences for future colonic investigation.


METHODS
The study population comprised 78 persons aged 60 years or over with symptoms suggestive of colorectal neoplasia, who underwent CT colonography followed the same day by barium enema. A 25-point questionnaire was administered after each procedure and an additional follow-up questionnaire a week later. Responses were compared using Wilcoxon matched pairs testing, Mann-Whitney test statistics and binomial exact testing.


RESULTS
Participants suffered less physical discomfort during CT colonography (p = 0.03) and overall satisfaction was greater compared with barium enema (p = 0.03). On follow-up, respondents reported significantly better tolerance of CT colonography (p = 0.002), and were less prepared to undergo barium enema again (p < 0.001). Of 52 subjects expressing an opinion, all preferred CT to barium enema.


CONCLUSIONS
Patient satisfaction was higher with CT colonography than barium enema. CT colonography caused significantly less physical discomfort and was overwhelmingly preferred by patients.
Taylor
S A
SA
Department of Intestinal Imaging, St Mark's and Northwick Park Hospitals, London, UK. csytaylor@yahoo.co.uk
Halligan
S
S
Burling
D
D
Bassett
P
P
Bartram
C I
CI
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001466:Barium Sulfate; D023881:Colonography, Computed Tomographic / Q000592:standards*; D003287:Contrast Media; D004733:Enema / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D003287:Contrast Media; D001466:Barium Sulfate