Vertec Scientific Ltd, the UK distributor of Viatronix diagnostic 3D imaging software, announce the publication of the results of a study* performed at the Departments of Gastroenterology and Radiology, Royal Free Hospital under the guidance of Professor Owen Epstein, Chair of Gastroenterology (pictured above with Vertec MD Bill Hipgrave).

The method involved 100 gastro-enterology outpatients aged 50 and older who underwent same day VC and OC. The endoscopists performing the OCs were unaware of the radiologist’s report until the withdrawal phase of the endoscopy when segmental unblinding occurred. The VC and OC findings were compared using the unblinded OC as the reference standard. Extracolonic CT findings were also recorded.

In the findings, pancolonic endoluminal VC was achieved in 99 patients, OC caecal intubation was possible in 91 patients and direct comparison was possible in 90 patients. Both techniques revealed two rectal and one hepatic flexure cancer. VC revealed 11 polyps  6mm in diameter in 9 patients. First look OC revealed 10 polyps  6mm in diameter in 9 patients with a further 15mm polyp discovered after segmental unblinding. The abdominal CT scans revealed 175 extracolonic findings in 72 patients.

Interpretation showed that in symp-tomatic patients, 3D VC is equivalent to OC for diagnosing colon cancer and clinically significant polyps. In symptomatic patients, a case can be made for 3D VC as a primary imaging modality followed if necessary by same day targeted therapeutic or diagnostic OC.

Professor Epstein comments, “Our study confirms that V3D can be offered as an alternative to optical colonoscopy in symptomatic gastroenterology out-patients. The technique is sensitive and sets the scene for follow up targeted colonoscopy when a polyp or cancer is identified. Use of V3D as an initial test separates patients into a majority who do not require optical colonoscopy, and a minority who could be offered same day targeted diagnostic or therapeutic endoscopy, the majority of whom would only require intubation of the recto-sigmoid or descending colon. V3D is performed without sedation, extends patient choice and changes the investigation paradigm for symptomatic as well as screening patients.”

According to Bill Hipgrave: ”This study showed that Viatronix V3D is the perfect tool to act as the first line in the eva-luation of symptomatic patients, saving many from unnecessary endoscopy. The results speak for themselves, Viatronix, using a primary 3D read, is every bit as good as optical colon-oscopy and allows more of the lumen surface to be visualised. Vertec Scientific are proud to have been able to play a part in this study by supporting the Royal Free study with software and technical support.”

*Virtual vs. optical colonoscopy in symptomatic gastroenterology out-patients: the case for virtual imaging followed by targeted diagnosis or therapeutic colonoscopy.

M. Bose, J. Bell, L. Jackson, P. Casey, J. Saunders and O.Epstein.

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 26, 727-736