'Virtual’ colonoscopy flunks tests

Misdiagnoses nearly half of all patients

A medical technology touted as a way to perform a “virtual colonoscopy” – by using imaging technology rather than a colonoscopy to screen for polyps and other lesions – missed 27% of colorectal lesions, including pre-cancerous colon polyps and colon cancers.

Researchers analyzed data from 16 studies on virtual colonoscopy and delivered the report of the technology’s dismal record during the 68th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology.

In addition to missing colorectal lesions in 27% of the patients, 18% were falsely identified as having lesions.

“Using current technology, ‘virtual’ colonoscopy is not an adequate screening tool for colorectal cancer,” concluded Aaron Link, M.D., of the University of Michigan.

SOURCE: “’Virtual’ Colonoscopy May Miss Colon Polyps and Cancer,” American College of Gastroenterology, October 13, 2003.