Link to this page

Your search term(s) "virtual colonoscopy" returned 12 results.

Displaying all search results.

Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Screening in the Geriatric Population: Factors in Risk Assessment And Outcome Benefits. Practical Gastroenterology. 32(2): 17-36. February 2008.

This article explores factors in risk assessment and outcome benefits associated with colorectal cancer screening (CRC) in the geriatric population. CRC screening is the search for polyps and cancer in individuals who have not been previously diagnosed with colonic neoplasms; surveillance refers to follow-up of patients who have already received a diagnosis of colonic neoplasms. The authors review the literature, report on the current status of CRC screening, and then analyze certain controversies in discontinuing screening colonoscopy after a certain age. Topics include the epidemiology of CRC in the United States, particularly in relation to age groups, racial factors, and ethnic groups; the prevalence of CRC in different groups; current recommendations for CRC screening, including risk stratification, recommendations for the average risk population and for those deemed at higher risk; the role of diagnostic tests, including fecal occult blood testing (FOBT), sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and double contrast barium enema (DCBE); future alternatives to traditional colonoscopy, including virtual colonoscopy, stool DNA tests for colon cancer, and wireless capsule endoscopy; the effect of aging on the incidence of CRC; colonoscopy complications in older patients compared with those in younger patients; and cost factors. The authors note that many debates on screening colonoscopy in older adults are prompted by a desire to free up endoscopic resources to screen younger individuals with a longer life expectancy. The demand for screening colonoscopy continues to strain the U.S. health care system, despite overall low participation rates. The authors conclude that CRC screening should be individualized based on quality of life of the patient, comorbid situations, and a rough estimate of the individual’s life expectancy. 1 figure. 2 tables. 88 references.

Full Record   Printer Friendly Version

Colonoscopy. IN: Wexner, S.; Stollman, N., eds. Diseases of the Colon. . New York, NY: Informa Healthcare USA. 2007. pp 137-162.

This chapter about colonoscopy is from a comprehensive text that offers chapters about each of the major colonic disorders. Each chapter is coauthored by at least one surgeon and one gastroenterologist to reflect the in-depth collaboration between these fields that is required for managing diseases of the colon. In this chapter, the authors describe the diagnostics, imaging, and therapeutic techniques for colonic evaluation and intervention. They note that the development of a means to accurately and safely visualize the entire colon endoscopically has revolutionized the diagnosis and management of colonic diseases and the clinical practice of gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons. The authors discuss colon embryology and endoscopic anatomy, the role of sigmoidoscopy, professional training and competence in colonoscopy, patient preparation, bowel preparation, antibiotic prophylaxis, anticoagulant and antiplatelet medication use, the equipment used for colonoscopy, the role of the colonoscopy assistant, sedation and analgesia during colonoscopy, infection control and colonoscope disinfection, contraindications and limitations of colonoscopy, and the use of air-contrast barium enema and virtual colonoscopy. The chapter includes black-and-white photographs and illustrations and concludes with an extensive list of references. 7 figures. 2 tables. 154 references.

Full Record   Printer Friendly Version

Colonoscopies 101: Everything You've Always Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask. Digestive Health and Nutrition. 8(1): 18-20. March- April 2006.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women in the United States. A colonoscopy is used to find and remove fleshy growths in the colon (polyps) before they become cancerous. This article answers common questions about colonoscopy, including the procedure itself, why it may be used, and alternatives. The author notes that, in order for the gastroenterologist to complete the test, the patient’s colon must be entirely empty of stool. Emptying the bowel requires fasting, laxatives, and increased drinking the day before the test. A colonoscopy is typically an outpatient procedure performed under sedation. Patients must arrange transportation after the procedure. The author walks patients through each step of the procedure. A final section describes some alternative screening methods, including virtual colonoscopy, digital rectal exam (DRE), stool blood test, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and barium enema with contrast. One sidebar outlines six steps to colorectal cancer prevention; another summarizes the guidelines for colon cancer screening using colonoscopy. 3 references.

Full Record   Printer Friendly Version

Small and Large Intestines. IN: Digestive Disorders 2005. Palm Coast, FL: Medletter Associated. pp 24-29. 2005.

This lengthy section on the small and large intestines is from a White Paper on digestive disorders, including conditions that affect the esophagus, stomach, gallbladder, bile ducts, small intestine, and large intestine. This chapter covers normal anatomy of the small and large intestines; the examination of the colon and rectum, including barium enema, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, virtual colonoscopy, and capsule endoscopy; and the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of constipation, diverticulosis and diverticulitis, diarrhea, celiac disease (gluten intolerance), Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, anal fissure, and colorectal cancer. Numerous sidebars cover some topics in greater detail: research on the clinical utility of virtual colonoscopy, specific foods and a suggested menu for people on a clear liquid diet, strategies for living with lactose intolerance, understanding changes in color of the feces (stool), the interrelationship between appendectomy and the risk of ulcerative colitis, the grains that are safe for people on a gluten-free diet (for celiac disease), a drug used in Crohn's disease that may reverse or delay the formation of fistulas, travel tips for people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the risks associated with eating red meat and drinking alcohol for people with colitis, the impact of depression on IBD flare-ups, quality of life issues in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), coping with pruritus ani (anal itching), the risks of colorectal cancer associated with a high-glycemic diet (one that includes a lot of simple and complex sugars), how high doses of aspirin may fight colon polyps, a new anticancer drug (Avastin, bevacizumab) used for metastatic colorectal cancer, laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer, and how colon cancer is staged. One illustration outlines the parts of the lower digestive system and the diseases or conditions that can affect each part. One chart summarizes the drugs used for IBD.

Full Record   Printer Friendly Version

Straight Talk on Colorectal Cancer. Digestive Health and Nutrition. 7(2): 16-18. March-April 2005.

This article discusses colorectal cancer, emphasizing the importance of early detection for best treatment results. The author cautions that because colorectal cancer does not often have symptoms in its earlier stages, screening and removal of polyps (growths on the inner wall of the large intestine) are vital. Removing a polyp eliminates the chance of it changing to a cancerous growth. The author considers some of the reasons why there are low screening rates, including people being unaware of the need for or the benefits of screening, and clinicians not recommending screening. The author also discusses the colonoscopy procedure, preparation for colonoscopy, fecal occult blood testing, recommendations for how often to have these screening tests, new testing methods that are under development (including virtual colonoscopy), risk factors for colorectal cancer, lifestyle factors that may play a role in the development of colorectal cancer, and the role of genetics in colorectal cancer. One sidebar summarizes colorectal cancer screening guidelines; another sidebar lists the different methods currently available to screen for colorectal cancer. 1 figure. 6 references.

Full Record   Printer Friendly Version

Colorectal Cancer Screening: Scientific Review. Journal of American Medical Association. 289(10): 1288-1296. March 2003.

Screening for colorectal cancer clearly reduces colorectal cancer mortality, yet many eligible adults remain unscreened. Several screening tests are available, and various professional organizations have differing recommendations on which screening test to use. This article reports on a review that critically assessed the evidence for use of the available colorectal cancer screening tests, including fecal occult blood tests, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, double-contrast barium enema, and newer tests, such as virtual colonoscopy and stool-based molecular screening. Results showed that randomized controlled trials have shown that fecal occult blood testing can reduce colorectal cancer incidence and mortality. Case-control studies have shown that sigmoidoscopy is associated with a reduction in mortality, and observational studies suggest colonoscopy is effective as well. Combining fecal occult blood testing and sigmoidoscopy may decrease mortality and can increase diagnostic yield. The authors conclude that at present, the available evidence does not currently support choosing one test over another. 1 figure. 3 tables. 105 references.

Full Record   Printer Friendly Version

Facing Reality: The Facts About 'Virtual' Colonoscopy. Arlington, VA: American College of Gastroenterology. 2003. 2 p.

This brochure describes virtual colonoscopy, also called CT colonography, an x-ray test that looks for cancer and precancerous growths (polyps) in the colon (large bowel). Virtual colonoscopy is based on a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis. During the examination, a tube is placed in the rectum and the colon is filled with air, followed by an abdominal-pelvic CT scan, which is then repeated with the patient lying in a different position. Because air is pumped into the colon, cramping may result. By contrast, in a conventional colonoscopy most patients receive sedative drugs that alleviate discomfort. Written in question and answer format, the brochure discusses how the test is performed, what the patient may experience, the expected results of the test, the role of conventional colonoscopy, and the guidelines of professional organizations regarding virtual colonoscopy. The brochure stresses that there has been no definitive demonstration to support either the overall effectiveness or cost-effectiveness of virtual colonoscopy. The brochure includes the contact information for the American College of Gastroenterology (www.acg.gi.org).

Full Record   Printer Friendly Version

Virtual Colonoscopy. Bethesda, MD: National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. 2003. 2 p.

Virtual colonoscopy (VC) uses x rays and computers to produce two- and three-dimensional images of the colon (large intestine). The procedure is used to diagnose colon and bowel disease, including polyps, diverticulosis, and cancer. VC can be performed with computed tomography (CT) or with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. This fact sheet describes virtual colonoscopy, including the preprocedure activities, and the advantages and disadvantages of VC. One sidebar briefly describes conventional colonoscopy. A final section describes the goals and work of the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.

Full Record   Printer Friendly Version

Recent Developments in Colorectal Cancer Screening and Prevention. American Family Physician. 66(2): 297-302. July 15, 2002.

Colorectal cancer is a significant contributor to morbidity (complications and related illness) and mortality (death) in the United States. Studies published in the early 1990s, showing that screening for colorectal cancer can reduce colorectal cancer-related mortality, led many organizations to recommend screening in asymptomatic, adults of average-risk older than 50 years. Since then, however, national screening rates remain low. Several important studies published over the past four years have refined the understanding of existing screening tools and explored novel means of screening and prevention. This article reviews the most important new develops. Additional trial results support the effectiveness of fecal occult (hidden) blood testing in reducing the incidence of, and mortality from, colorectal cancer. New studies document the sensitivity of fecal occult blood testing, sigmoidoscopy, and double-contrast barium enema compared with colonoscopy. Cost-effectiveness models show that screening by any of several methods is cost-effective compared to no screening. Randomized trials show that calcium is effective but fiber is not effective in preventing reoccurrence of adenomatous polyps. Preliminary data suggest that nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may prevent adenomatous polyps and that DNA stool tests and virtual colonoscopy may show promise as screening tools. This new information provides further support for efforts to increase the use of colorectal cancer screening and prevention services in adults older than 50 years. 1 table. 26 references.

Full Record   Printer Friendly Version

Virtual Colonoscopy Can it Save Lives?. Digestive Health and Nutrition. p. 24. July-August 2002.

This brief article describes a new technique called virtual colonoscopy which involves a computerized scan of the colon. Unlike conventional colonoscopy, air is instilled via a tube. The procedure is less invasive than conventional colonoscopy and requires no sedation. The patient lies on a table while a CT scanner passes over the body, a process that takes about 30 seconds. In the resulting image, the walls of the colon are color coded as to thickness so that growths stand out in a brighter color. However, there are still a number of drawbacks to this procedure that have prevented its introduction to the general public thus far. These drawbacks include the inability to detect all cancerous or precancerous growths, the high incidence of false positive tests, and the need for conventional colonoscopy for patients in whom the virtual colonoscopy demonstrates a problem. The author concludes that eventually virtual colonoscopy may prove to be a cost effective and accurate screening tool for large numbers of patients without symptoms or as a surveillance option for patients with previous adenomas. The article concludes with two web sites that readers can consult for additional information. 1 figure.

Full Record   Printer Friendly Version

Colonoscopy. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Clinics of North America. 10(1): 135-160. January 2000.

This article on colonoscopy is from a special millennium issue of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Clinics of North America that offers an overview of the past, highlights the present, and focuses on the future of gastrointestinal endoscopy. The author notes that colonoscopy and polypectomy (removal of colonic polyps) are the most effective tools available to prevent colorectal cancer. The technical performance of colonoscopy can be improved by methods that make polyp detection easier and more reliable, facilitate cecal intubation, and reduce recurrence and complication rates after polypectomy. The author reviews the state of the art and possible future trends in patient preparation, indications, screening and surveillance intervals, sedation issues, and virtual colonoscopy. The author notes that a central goal of research in gastrointestinal disease is one whose fulfillment can already be imagined: the virtual obliteration of death from colorectal cancer. Colonoscopy already has the potential to play the central role in fulfilling this goal, but its full potential will only be reached with further improvements in acceptability, comfort, and safety for patients, with reduction of costs and improved detection of neoplasia. 1 figure. 6 tables. 198 references.

Full Record   Printer Friendly Version

Virtual Colonoscopy: A Review. Practical Gastroenterology. 24(2): 38, 40-42, 50, 57-58. February 2000.

Virtual colonoscopy (computed tomography or CT colonoscopy) is a new imaging technique with the potential to alter current diagnostic approaches to colonic diseases, particularly colon cancer screening. This article describes the technique, clinical status, limitations and other potential indications of this new technology. Although colonoscopy remains the gold standard test, public acceptance for cancer screening remains poor. Virtual colonoscopy can detect colonic lesions greater than 1cm with an accuracy comparable to colonoscopy and is superior to barium enema for the detection of medium sized polyps. Because it offers the patient a relatively quick, minimally invasive, more comfortable and safer procedure, it may have greater patient acceptance than current recommended screening strategies. Similar to colonoscopy and barium enema, bowel cleansing prior to CT colonoscopy is essential to avoid stool or fluid artifacts. The cleansed colon is first distended throughout its length with either room air or carbon dioxide. The CT scan is then performed on a CT table. From the patients' perspective, the data acquisition phase typically takes no more than 10 minutes. However, significant limitations include the need for bowel preparation, a significant miss rate for flat or subcentimetric lesions, the inability to biopsy or remove these lesions once detected as well as cost issues. 2 figures. 4 tables. 27 references.

Full Record   Printer Friendly Version

Displaying all search results.

Start a new search.