Virtual Colonoscopy is Feasible in Geriatric Patients-A Case Series.

ABSTRACT

Virtual colonoscopy (VC) or computed tomographic colonography is now an established imaging test in the detection of colorectal cancer. Like other modern imaging tests VC requires highly compliant patients (rectal air insufflation, breath hold, imaging in supine and prone position). As patients are getting older VC is also requested in the elderly. In a case series of geriatric patients (mean age 83 years) undergoing VC after incomplete optical colonoscopy 92.7% of all colonic segments were adequately visualized. VC seems to be feasible in geriatric patients and has therefore replaced barium enema in this patient group after incomplete optical colonoscopy at our department.