"Virtual colonoscopy": back to the future?

"Virtual colonoscopy" is a new method of producing an endoscopic view of th e colon without endoscopy. The images are derived from the data of conventi onal abdominal computertomography or magnetic resonance tomography, using m odern computer programmes. The method makes it possible to detect colonic p olyps or carcinomas with a sensitivity and specificity of 80%. The most int eresting application of "virtual colonoscopy" may be as a screening method for colorectal polyps in preventing the development of colorectal cancer. T his may improve patient acceptance for colorectal cancer screening programm es.