Clinical utility and cost-effectiveness of routine preoperative computed tomography scanning in patients with colon cancer.
BACKGROUND
The aims of this study were to assess the clinical utility of the practice of routine preoperative CT scanning and to determine its cost-effectiveness in colon cancer patients.


METHODS
A 6-year database of colon cancer patients treated at a veterans affairs medical was reviewed to determine the influence of preoperative CT scanning on clinical management. Cost analysis involved comparison of the institutional cost of CT scanning with the cost savings provided by avoiding nontherapeutic operations.


RESULTS
CT scans were obtained in 130 consecutive patients. CT scans provided information that was used in treatment planning in 43 (33%) patients and definitively altered the mode of treatment in 21 (16%) patients. The practice saved the institution $24,018 over 6 years.


CONCLUSIONS
Routine preoperative CT scanning definitively alters treatment in a small number of cases and is cost-effective.
Mauchley
David C
DC
VA Puget Healthcare System and the Department of Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
Lynge
Dana C
DC
Langdale
Lorrie A
LA
Stelzner
Matthias G
MG
Mock
Charles N
CN
Billingsley
Kevin G
KG
D000368:Aged; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D003287:Contrast Media; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D011300:Preoperative Care; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000191:economics*; D014728:Veterans
D003287:Contrast Media