Pivotal Trial Shows Virtual Colonoscopy As Effective As Conventional Colonoscopy

In a landmark trial published on October 4, 2007 in the highly respected New England Journal of Medicine, it was found that “primary computerized tomographic colonography (virtual colonoscopy) and optical colonoscopy (conventional colonoscopy) screening strategies resulted in similar detection rates for advanced neoplasia, although the numbers of polypectomies and complications were considerably smaller in the CTC group. These findings support the use of computerized tomographic colonography as a primary screening test before therapeutic optical colonoscopy.”

Westside Medical Imaging (WMI), a national leader in CT scan cardiac and body imaging, has been a proponent of virtual colonoscopy for some time. According to Norman Lepor MD of WMI, “Aside from the benefits mentioned in the New England Journal article, virtual colonography provides many advantages over conventional colonoscopy, including the ability to have the exam performed in one hour without the use of general anesthesia or heavy sedation. This allows patients to return to work that same day, lower cost, and avoid the risk of bowel perforation. In addition, this technology is particularly useful in patients who are on blood thinners such as Coumadin, Aspirin and Plavix. Fortunately, these medicines do not have to be discontinued prior to the virtual colonoscopy, whereas they are often discontinued in patients undergoing conventional colonoscopy.” Dr. Lepor also adds that the “consumers do need to be sure that facilities that perform these exams have the most up to date imaging equipment, such as 64 slice CT scans, along with the most current software.” In addition, Dr. Lepor says that “there are patients in who a conventional colonoscopy may be preferred especially those with a history of polyps and colon cancer.”

For any further questions or comments, please do not hesitate contacting Westside Medical Imaging at 310-623-1150 or check out our website at www.westsidemedimaging.com