What are the options to detect polyps?
The American Cancer Society recommends that patients undergo a test that allows the entire colon to be visualized at the age of 50 and then every 3 to 5 years. The two currently accepted methods include Conventional Colonoscopy and Barium Enema. Although both visualize the entire colon, barium enema is a less sensitive examination and is considered an inferior test. Colonoscopy, which is more sensitive as a screening procedure, is more costly and requires sedation and anesthesia. The introduction of a safe, non-invasive, and affordable procedure for detecting polyps has appeal for the individual and society as a whole. Virtual Colonoscopy is felt by several institutions including Boston Medical Center and The Mayo Clinic to fulfill many of these requirements. Multi-institutional studies are being performed to compare these techniques.
