Radiologists and patients prefer CO2 insufflation
Many randomised trials have shown that endoscopic colonoscopies as well as virtual colonoscopies via CT scans are equally efficient in detecting colon polyps and tumours. With an endoscopic examination suspicious mucosal findings can be investigated by biopsy and polyps can be removed. However, causes for argument against this method include the incomplete examination, often severe pain and a higher rate of colonic perforations. Inevitably, patients who have experienced virtual colonoscopy via CT scan prefer this method.
A recent development from ulrich medical has further diminished the appeal of endoscopic colonoscopy. When using the latter, the colon is usually distended by insufflation of room air. In this process no continuous pressure control is provided. ‘By using ulrich medical’s CO2 Insufflator for CT colonoscopies, filling the colon with constant pressure by applying medical grade
CO2 gas can be ensured’, the company explains. ‘Due to the automatic pressure control of the device and the fast re-absorption of CO2 compared with room air, an examination is more comfortable for the patient. Additionally, with CO2 insufflation the diagnostic results are improved, because the constant pressure prevents the collapse of sections of the colon.’
ulrich reports that, during a case study to test its CO2 Insufflator, which carried out with the help of radiologists at Dortmund Teaching Hospital, all the radiologists involved agreed they would choose it in preference to the traditional technique.
Details: www.ulrichmedical.com
01.05.2009
