Virtual Colonoscopy Office Opens in Springboro

By Kevin Lamb, Dayton Daily News, Ohio

Jul. 16–SPRINGBORO — Digestive Specialists will dedicate the recent opening of its fourth doctors’ office Thursday, July 17, billing it as the Dayton area’s only facility for virtual colonoscopy for colon cancer screening. The Springboro office is at 77 W. Eleanor Drive.

Where standard colonoscopy uses a camera inserted in the patient’s lower digestive tract, virtual colonoscopy uses CAT scan imaging to produce a three-dimensional picture of the colon. Colonoscopies detect polyps that can develop into colon cancer, and are recommended for anyone over 50 and younger people at high risk.

But virtual colonoscopy made Consumer Reports’ list of “10 Overused Tests and Treatments” in the July issue, which cited a 2007 study that found it misses suspicious polyps that colonoscopies catch. “Though less costly than a standard colonoscopy, the virtual test isn’t cost-effective because any suspicious finding requires retesting with the real thing,” the magazine said. Standard colonoscopies also are necessary for removing polyps.

“Colonoscopy is the gold standard for colon cancer prevention,” said Dr. Ramesh Gandhi, president of the 15-doctor practice. He recommended the virtual procedure for patients whose medical conditions make colonoscopy risky, since it requires mild anesthesia.

Colon cancer strikes about 150,000 Americans a year and kills 56,000, including former White House press secretary Tony Snow in the past week. “Ninety percent of colon cancer deaths can be prevented by screening,” Gandhi said.

Digestive Specialists Inc. has three other main offices in Kettering, Huber Heights and Dayton on N. Main Street, with satellite locations in Beavercreek, Troy, and Springfield.

At its GI hotline at (937) 534-7330, patients and doctors can schedule appointments, procedures, and free educational appointments to explain patient preparation and screening options.

The grand opening Thursday is at 5 p.m. for invited physicians and Springboro officials.

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