Share

End of anal colonoscopy?

Virtual colonoscopies, done with scanners that create a three-dimensional image of the intestinal wall, are just as effective in detecting advanced polyps as the more invasive traditional colonoscopy, a recent study found.

The University of Wisconsin Medical School study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, compared virtual colonoscopies of 3 120 adults with an average age of 57, and the traditional colonoscopies of 3 163 adults with an average age of 58.

Identify cancerous tumours
The latter exam is routinely recommended in patients over 50 years of age to locate intestinal polyps and to remove them, aiming to stop the spread of cancer. Colon cancer is among the deadliest forms of the disease. It kills 55 000 people a year in the United States alone.

Traditional colonoscopies are normally performed under general anaesthetic, with a thin flexible tube called a colonoscope inserted through the anus to explore the intestines.

Biopsies and many abnormal growths can be taken out during the procedure which requires the patient to first drink four litres of liquid.

Virtual colonoscopy requires some injection of air. The removal of any polyps found requires a separate procedure. – (Sapa/AFP)

Read more:
Virtual colonoscopy finds cancer
Virtual colonoscopy shows promise

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE