title: Clinical utility and cost-effectiveness of routine preoperative computed tomography scanning in patients with colon cancer.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: VA Puget Healthcare System and the Department of Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
authors.forename: David C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Mauchley
authors.forename: Dana C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Lynge
authors.forename: Lorrie A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Langdale
authors.forename: Matthias G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Stelzner
authors.forename: Charles N
authors.initials: CN
authors.lastname: Mock
authors.forename: Kevin G
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: Billingsley
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media