Thus, improved screening methods are being sought. For example, a single screening pass with FOBT may miss many colorectal cancers and the majority of premalignant adenomas. In addition, many positive tests are false positives with respect to colorectal cancer. Virtual endoscopy is a novel technique that was first used to examine the colon by Vining et al in 1994. This technique has become a realistic screening tool, made possible by recent advances in helical CT technology and robust computer systems allowing high-speed image data manipulation.
Virtual colonoscopy involves significant learning for accurate interpretation.
The aim of this module is to provide a practical introduction to this technology, a basic guide for reading virtual colonoscopy examinations, and an understanding of the potential pitfalls of this type of examination. We invite you to explore this module as well as the clinical case examples that will demonstrate practical tips for virtual colonoscopy.