Table 1.

Usefulness of CT Colonography (CTC) during the COVID-19 Pandemic

1. Similar to optical colonoscopy, CTC is a structural preventative exam and can see the entire colon. 2. CTC has a lower risk of colon complications such as perforation as compared to optical colonoscopy with lower likelihood of requiring an inpatient bed during the pandemic. 3. CTC is performed without sedation so there is no need for another person to accompany or drive the patient to the imaging center thus promoting social distancing. 4. No risk of an adverse reaction to anesthetic with resultant need for hospitalization during the pandemic and sedative medications are preserved for other patients. 5. CTC is easily scheduled as an early morning appointment for vulnerable patients. 6. Curbside check-in is available to decrease time in a waiting room at some imaging centers. 7. Shorter procedural time (15-20 min), with no need for pre-procedure IV placement or post-procedure monitoring reduces time in a healthcare facility. 8. Less direct contact with fewer health care workers (e.g., one CT technologist and/or one radiologist is intermittently in the CT suite during the exam). 9. Decreased need for personal protective compared to optical colonoscopy as more healthcare workers are required for optical colonoscopy (e.g., endoscopist, anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist, nurse(s) for IV placement and procedural and post-procedural monitoring). 10. CTC can better triage patients for polypectomy or surveillance depending on lesions found as compared to stool-based tests and can better detect precancerous lesions as compared to stool-based tests.