title: Abdominal computed tomography, colonography and radiation exposure: what the surgeon needs to know.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Abdominal computed tomography (CT) improves the accuracy of clinical diagnosis and facilitates patient management. Radiation exposure must be considered by requesting clinicians and is especially relevant owing to the increasing use of CT colonography for diagnosis and screening of colorectal disorders. This review describes the radiation dose of abdominopelvic CT and colonography and attempts to quantify the risk for the clinician.
  
  
  METHODS
  Articles were searched in the PubMed and Medline databases using combinations of the MeSH terms 'radiation', 'abdominal computed tomography' and 'colonography'. Electronic English language abstracts were read by two reviewers and the full article was retrieved if relevant to the review.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Abdominopelvic CT and CT colonography convey significant radiation dose to the patient but also have considerable diagnostic potential. In the right clinical context, the radiation risk should not be overestimated. Techniques to reduce the dose should be used. Repeated imaging in certain patients is a concern and should be monitored.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Radiation risk can be quantified and presented simply in a manner that both patients and doctors can comprehend and evaluate. This approach will diminish misconceptions and allow a rational choice of diagnostic test.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Whittington Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Steward
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Halligan
mesh_terms: D023881:Colonography, Computed Tomographic / Q000009:adverse effects; D003107:Colorectal Surgery; D003142:Communication; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D010388:Pelvis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D011860:Radiography, Abdominal / Q000009:adverse effects; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000009:adverse effects
keywords: Tomography; colonic neoplasms; colonography; colorectal neoplasms; computed tomographic; rectal neoplasms; spiral computed