Beware the absurd hype about virtual colonoscopy

Why you still shouldn’t get this “better” test

“Happy colonoscopy!”

No, I’m not reading from a new line of VERY specific Hallmark greeting cards. That’s actually the headline of an article on MSNBC.

“Happy” might be kind of a stretch. But it appears that scientists are working hard to make colonoscopy an easier experience.

I wish them well. But after reading about their newest “advance,” I only have this to say…

“Back to the drawing board.”

The art of attraction

In the MSNBC article, the American Cancer Society’s director of prostate and colorectal cancer delivers an upbeat sales pitch for this new type of computed tomographic colonography (CTC).

As I’ve mentioned before, CTC is an alternative to colonoscopy. It’s a scan that basically does what the colonoscopy endoscope probe does. But without the probe.

Here’s the ACS official’s pitch. “The subtraction of the laxative can only make what’s already an attractive test even more attractive.”

You see, the new CTC does away with the laxative. And you can ask anyone who’s had a colonoscopy or a CTC. The actual procedure is a breeze compared to the laxative ordeal. The laxative could not taste worse. And the results are stunningly thorough. And it goes on for hours. Enough said.

The old CTC method is also non-invasive. Technically. But before it begins, they pump air into your bowels. As an HSI member once told us, “I thought I was going to blow off the gurney.”

So you get pumped full of air after an intensive laxative prep. And that’s what the ACS official calls “attractive.” Yes, that sounds VERY attractive!

But I do agree with this… Subtract the laxative and the balloon treatment, and the new CTC method is “even more attractive.” Absolutely. No argument.

Unfortunately, this new method is not as accurate as colonoscopy at spotting polyps. And since spotting polyps is the whole reason you’re there in the first place, that’s a very big deal. Trading down on accuracy for more comfort doesn’t seem like a step in the right direction, does it?

And then, if a polyp is spotted, there’s only one way to remove it. You have to schedule a colonoscopy. Yes — back to square one — laxative and all!

But there’s one more drawback that the sales pitch — er, I mean MSNBC “article” — completely plays down.

Radiation.

That’s not just an issue. It’s a HUGE issue. But according to the article, a study concluded the cancer risks associated with CT radiation “are small.” And that’s the very last sentence of the article.

It’s like they’re saying, “Radiation? No worries! Okay. Bye!”

Hmmm… That’s not what several FDA experts said two years ago when the first generation of CTC was introduced.

The experts had good reason for concern. A CT scan delivers 400 times the radiation exposure of a chest x-ray. That’s a huge single dose! And remember, radiation exposure is cumulative. It doesn’t fade away. So if you start getting CT scans for colorectal cancer every few years, your cancer risk will rise. It’s that simple.

Don’t let anyone talk you into a virtual colonoscopy until they day they can promise it’s radiation-free. Until then, stay with conventional colonoscopy. It’s not a walk in the park, but the risks are small and it’s very effective.

Sources:
“Happy colonoscopy! Laxative-free test may be as effective” Rachael Rettner, MyHealthNewsDaily, 5/15/12, msnbc.msn.com