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A study published in the current issue of Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics indicates that primary 3D virtual colonoscopy (VC) is comparable to optical colonoscopy (OC). The research endeavor was completed at the Royal Free and University College Medical School in London.

The research team completed both 3D VC and OC in a cohort of 100 symptomatic patients age 50 and above. Both of the procedures were completed on the same day. Endoscopists were blinded to radiology findings until the OC was completed and segmental unblinding was conducted.

The team compared the findings that were obtained with both screening methods, which were available for a total of 90 patients. OC was completed in 90 patients and VC completed in 99.

Three patients had colon cancer, identified with both approaches. The rate of sensitivity in identifying polyps at least 6mm in size was 100 percent with 3D VC and 90 percent for OC. 3D VC may be the superior method for polyp identification.

They noted that findings procured with 3D VC examination, in this cohort of symptomatic patients, were equivalent to those discovered with OC assessment for diagnosis of colon cancer and identification of polyps that were of clinical significance. The team suggested that perhaps recommendation should be altered, patients should undergo VC first and then OC later the same day if indicated for further evaluation.

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• CAD for Virtual Colonoscopy Introduced
• Avantis Endoscopy System Cleared
• Virtual Colonscopy Gets Nod
• NeoGuide’s Endoscopy System Gets FDA 510(k) Clearance

September 5, 2007 Related topics: Imaging, Trends, Diagnostic, Gastroenterology, Endoscopy