Virtual colonoscopy: A gastroenterologist's perspective

Virtual colonoscopy is an exciting new imaging technique with potential to alter current diagnostic approaches to colonic diseases, particularly colon ic neoplasms. Although colonoscopy continues to offer the highest sensitivi ty and specificity for evaluation of the colon, virtual colonoscopy may off er greater safety, less discomfort, and consequently greater patient accept ance. In addition, virtual colonoscopy offers shorter procedure time, more accurate lesion location, and potentially lower cost as a screening test. L imited data are currently available to define virtual colonoscopy's full cl inical role. This article describes the technical considerations, current c linical status, limitations, and potential indications of this new and exci ting technology which gastroenterologists should not fear but embrace. Copy right (C) 2000 S. Karger AG. Basel.