The conclusion of the AGA, the world's largest medical specialty society dedicated to the science and practice of digestive health medicine: Virtual colonoscopy shows significant promise as a colorectal cancer screening option, though many issues need to be addressed before it is recommended for widespread use.
AGA member David Lieberman, MD, who writes an editorial on the study that will be published in the Sept. 7 issue of Annals of Internal Medicine, and an AGA Future Trends report published in the Sept. 1 issue of Gastroenterology, outline specific issues surrounding virtual colonoscopy that must be addressed. Two key issues:
Gastroenterologists and colorectal cancer-detection experts available for comment on issues associated with virtual colonoscopy are:
Contact AGA Communications for more information or to schedule and interview.
Kimberly Wise 301-941-2620
Jessica Duncan 301-941-2625 media@gastro.org
Citations and Embargoes
AGA Future Trends Report: CT Colonography
Van Dam, J. et al. Gastroenterology. 2004; 127: 970-984
Published Sept. 1, 2004
Colonoscopy: Good as Gold?
Lieberman, D. Ann Intern Med. 2004; 141: 401-403
Embargoed for release Sept. 6, 2004 5:00 p.m. EDT
Location of Adenomas Missed by Optical Colonoscopy
Pickhardt, P. et al. Ann Intern Med. 2004; 141:352-359
Embargoed for release Sept. 6, 2004 5:00 p.m. EDT
The American Gastroenterological Association is dedicated to the mission of advancing the science and practice of gastroenterology. Founded in 1897, the AGA is the oldest medical-specialty society in the United States. The AGA's 14,000 members include physicians and scientists who research, diagnose and treat disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and liver. The AGA's annual meeting takes place at Digestive Disease Week, which is held each May and is the largest international gathering of physicians, researchers and academics in the fields of gastroenterology, hepatology, endoscopy and gastrointestinal surgery.
On a monthly basis, the AGA publishes two highly respected journals, Gastroenterology and Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Gastroenterology, the official journal of the AGA, is the most prominent journal in the subspecialty and is in the top one percent of indexed medical journals internationally.
Journal
Annals of Internal Medicine