CT colonography versus colonoscopy in the follow-up of patients after diverticulitis - a prospective, comparative study.

AIM:

To assess whether computed tomography colonography (CTC) is a viable alternative to colonoscopy or double contrast barium enema in the follow-up of patients after diverticulitis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

Fifty patients underwent CTC followed immediately by colonoscopy. Results were blinded to the examiners. Findings of diverticular disease and patient acceptance were evaluated.

RESULTS:

Bowel preparation and distension were good in the majority of CTC and colonoscopy examinations. Diverticular disease was found in 96% of patients at CTC and in 90% at colonoscopy. The rate of agreement between CTC and colonoscopy for diverticular findings in the sigmoid colon was good (kappa=0.64). No complications were seen. Patients found colonoscopy more uncomfortable (p<0.03), more painful (p<0.001), and more difficult (p<0.01) than CTC. Of the patients favouring one examination, 74% preferred CTC.

CONCLUSION:

CTC appears to have a better diagnostic potential for imaging of diverticular disease-specific findings, when compared with colonoscopy. Also, CTC was less uncomfortable and was preferred by a majority of patients. CTC seems to be a reasonable alternative in follow-up of patients with symptomatic diverticular disease.