Colonoscopy beats “virtual colonoscopy” in a surprising patient survey

Why am I not surprised? At all. Not even a little.

In a new study, researchers compared patients’ reactions to conventional colonoscopy and CT colonography (CTC) — also known as “virtual colonoscopy.”

Each patient received a CTC scan. Two hours later, they underwent a conventional colonoscopy.

When researchers asked subjects which method they preferred, they found the answers shocking.

Three out of four said they liked colonoscopy better.

And why did they prefer the MORE invasive method? Two reasons… Less anxiety. Less pain.

Most people who opt for a CTC probably don’t expect pain. After all, there are no tubes going in places where you don’t want tubes.

Ah, but there’s a catch! Before CTC, they fill your bowels with air. So the “non-invasive” method can be much more uncomfortable than the colonoscopy endoscope.

Most of the patients who preferred CTC to colonoscopy said they liked it because it took less time. CTC takes about 10 minutes. Colonoscopy takes about 30 minutes.

Really? Twenty minutes was a deal breaker? Hmmm… I wonder how they would answer if they were also told that CTC delivers 400 times more radiation exposure than a chest x-ray.

Twenty minutes is a very small investment to avoid the lifetime dangers of a huge radiation dose.

Sources:
“Patients Prefer More Invasive Form of Colon Scan: Study” Amanda Gardner, HealthDay News, 5/22/12, healthday.com