ABSTRACT
Computed tomographic colonography (CTC) is a relatively noninvasive technique for large bowel imaging that has the ability to detect colorectal neoplasia. Already well established as a reliable diagnostic tool in symptomatic patients who are unable to undergo complete colonoscopy, it is now being considered as a viable method for population screening. Advances in technique over the past 10 yr make this an attractive alternative, including reduced bowel preparation and stool tagging, three-dimensional (3D) image reconstruction, computer-aided detection software, and low-radiation dose protocols. CTC may be favored by patients compared to other available screening tests due to the ease of performance and comfort. Although published studies vary in relation to the sensitivity of this test for the detection of polyps, in the best hands a sensitivity of greater than 90% for detection of polyps at least 10 mm in diameter may be obtained. Although not yet endorsed for widespread use by major gastroenterological societies, CTC shows promise as a screening tool.
Subject(s)
Colonography, Computed Tomographic , Colorectal Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Colonography, Computed Tomographic/economics , Colonography, Computed Tomographic/methods , Colorectal Neoplasms/pathology , Cost-Benefit Analysis , Humans , Patient Satisfaction , Patient Selection , Reproducibility of Results , Sensitivity and SpecificityABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To study an individual's experience of either flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS) or colonoscopy in a colorectal cancer prevention programme. METHODS: Consecutive individuals in a Bowel Cancer Prevention Programme, who had either an unsedated FS or a colonoscopy with sedation, participated in a prospective cross-sectional questionnaire-based study. RESULTS: A total of 447 responses were obtained for 256 colonoscopies and 191 FSs (200 men [45%] and 247 women [55%]). The overall experience of colonoscopy was more comfortable than FS (75% versus 18%; P<0.001). Embarrassment was low for both procedures (8%). There was no pain associated with colonoscopy and most individuals had a pain score of less than 3 (11-point scale) for FS: 72% of men, 55% of women (P<0.001). Most individuals did not have a gender preference for the endoscopist. For colonoscopy, the worst part of the procedure was the preparation (78%) and for FS the preparation and the procedure ranked equally worst (30%). CONCLUSIONS: We have shown that colonoscopy with sedation is a very comfortable procedure. FS is more uncomfortable than colonoscopy; however, for the majority it is a tolerable experience. Women found FS only slightly more painful than men. The worst part of either procedure was the preparation. Embarrassment with either procedure was minimal. Both procedures are well tolerated and suitable for colorectal cancer screening.
Subject(s)
Colonoscopy/methods , Colorectal Neoplasms/prevention & control , Sigmoidoscopy/methods , Colonoscopes , Colonoscopy/psychology , Colorectal Neoplasms/diagnosis , Female , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Humans , Male , Mass Screening , Pain Threshold , Patient Acceptance of Health Care , Patient Satisfaction , Sex Factors , Sigmoidoscopes , Sigmoidoscopy/psychology , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: This study compared the experiences of women who underwent endoscopic screening for colorectal cancer vs. their experiences with breast and cervical cancer screening by mammography and Pap smear, respectively. METHODS: Women who had either flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy as a screening procedure for colorectal cancer were asked to return a questionnaire by mail. In the questionnaire, they were asked about the procedure they had just undergone and to compare it with recent mammograms and Pap smears. Flexible sigmoidoscopy was performed without sedating the patient; colonoscopy was performed with the patient under deep sedation (midazolam, fentanyl, and propofol administered by an anesthesiologist). RESULTS: Responses were obtained from 258 women (88%). Of these, 152 had colonoscopy and 106 had flexible sigmoidoscopy. A total of 72% of respondents found colonoscopy to be a comfortable test. Only 26% found flexible sigmoidoscopy uncomfortable, which was similar to mammography and Pap smear, at 22%. In terms of the test considered to be the most embarrassing, the highest response rate (38%) was for the Pap smear. Most women had no preference as to the gender of the endoscopist, but 46% preferred a woman doctor for a Pap smear (p < 0.001). Preparation was regarded as the worst part of the colonoscopy procedure; for flexible sigmoidoscopy, the procedure itself and the preparation were equivalent. CONCLUSIONS: Women found flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy comfortable and less embarrassing than a Pap smear or a mammography. There was no preference with respect to the gender of the physician who performed the colorectal screening procedures, unlike the Pap smear. Most respondents would have the procedure again and would recommend it to others.
