CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

What is the chief disadvantage of CT colonography compared to conventional endoscopy?

1. Can't biopsy or remove polyps

2. Bowel prep

3. Cost

4. Time consuming procedure

The correct answer is: Can't biopsy or remove polyps

The chief disadvantage of CT colonography, commonly known as virtual colonoscopy, compared to conventional endoscopy is the inability to perform biopsies or remove polyps during the procedure. In conventional endoscopy, specific tools can be introduced through the colonoscope to directly obtain tissue samples or excise polyps identified during the examination. This capability allows for immediate diagnosis and potential treatment in one session. CT colonography, on the other hand, is primarily a diagnostic imaging technique. It provides detailed images of the colon that can identify abnormalities such as polyps or cancer but does not allow for direct intervention during the imaging process. If suspicious lesions are found, the patient must undergo a subsequent conventional colonoscopy for biopsy or polyp removal, which may lead to additional time and preparation requirements. While bowel prep, cost, and the duration of the procedure are pertinent factors, they do not represent the unique critical aspect of CT colonography's limitations regarding direct intervention. Hence, the inability to biopsy or remove polyps is recognized as the most significant disadvantage when comparing CT colonography with conventional methods of colon evaluation.