How Accurate is VC?
New scientific reports indicate that the accuracy of Virtual Colonoscopy is comparable to traditional colonoscopy when performed with multiple-detector CT scanners, computer equipment and software like those used at the University of Virginia Health System. A recent article in the New England Journal of Medicine reported that the two tests were equally sensitive for detecting growths that were 6 mm or greater in size. At this size, a cancerous or precancerous growth is considered highly treatable. If Virtual Colonoscopy detects a significant polyp, traditional colonoscopy will be required for further investigation and polyp removal. However, traditional colonoscopy is necessary in fewer than 1/3 of patients that undergo Virtual Colonoscopy. VC has not been studied for use in evaluating inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
