What are the Disadvantages compared to Conventional Colonoscopy?
• Mucosal detail and color is not visible which limits characterization of lesions • Detection of small polyps (less than 1 cm) is inferior • Polyps if detected cannot be removed and would require follow up colonoscopy and second preparation • Ionizing Radiation — Approximately 20% less than a Barium Enema Back to Top How Accurate is it? Studies suggest a very high sensitivity for detection of polyps 1 centimeter or greater approaching that of conventional colonoscopy. These are the ones that have significant malignant potential. Smaller polyps are more difficult to detect. As with any procedure, including conventional colonoscopy, both polyps and cancers can be missed. Back to Top Why is screening important? Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer related death in the United States. Colon cancer can be prevented if polyps are discovered and removed early before they become cancerous. It is believed that tumors take years to develop and typically form from a benign non-cancerou
