"It's less intrusive and faster." - George Recentio

 

Confronting the inevitable

At 56, George Recentio was due to undergo an optical colonoscopy, but like many, he was reluctant to undergo the procedure, thinking that it would be too involved and intrusive.

 

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in the United States. But the risk of colorectal cancer can be reduced by colonoscopy, which allows early stage cancers or even precancerous polyps or abnormal growths that may later develop into colorectal cancer to be found and removed.

 

George is not the only one reluctant to undergo optical colonoscopy. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that in 2000 less that 50% of people who should have had a colonoscopy got one, even though optical colonoscopy is widely regarded as an effective test for colon cancer, and many small cancers and precancerous polyps found during an optical colonoscopy can be removed during the procedure¹

 

A virtual alternative

An emerging option for identifying polyps and other lesions that may lead to colorectal cancer, Virtual Colonoscopy has shown promise in recent clinical trials. With Virtual Colonoscopy, a doctor uses a Computed Tomography (CT) scan to check the lining of the colon for polyps.

 

“I read about Virtual Colonoscopy on the University of Chicago website and I knew it was for me,” says George. “It seemed like a less intrusive, cutting-edge technology.” The experience of Dr. Abraham Dachman, professor of Radiology at the University of Chicago and a specialist in Virtual Colonoscopy also impressed George. “I'm the kind of person who does a lot of research,” he says, “and it looked like Dr. Dachman was an expert.”

 

So after doing some more research and calling the University, George traveled from his home in Indianapolis to Chicago for an appointment with Dr. Dachman.

 

The big day

In Chicago, George's research paid off. He met Dr. Dachman, who explained the procedure. “I had had CT scans before, so I knew what to expect” from the scan, he says. One benefit of Virtual Colonoscopy is its speed and simplicity George said.

 

Following up

The Virtual Colonoscopy showed that he had a few polyps. Following Dr. Dachman's recommendation, he chose to have these removed by a Gastroenterologist using optical colonoscopy.

 

After having undergone the Virtual Colonoscopy, George found the optical colonoscopy easier than he had imagined. “The mindset is a little different, because now I had to go in to correct this,” he explains.

 

The optical colonoscopy was a success. “All of the polyps were right where the Virtual

Colonoscopy said they would be, no surprises,” he says. Since having the procedure, in 2004, George has had a follow-up optical colonoscopy to make certain that he is clear of polyps.

 

Even knowing that an optical colonoscopy was necessary, George says, “I would do it the same way again,” with Virtual Colonoscopy first. “It's less intrusive and faster.”

 

If he has the chance, George Recentio will opt for a Virtual Colonoscopy for future follow-ups. “After five years, if I have the option, I want to go back for a Virtual.”

 

 

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References:
1. “Prevention and early detection: keys to reducing deaths.” CDC. Oct. 2006.

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- June 2008

 

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