Replacing barium enema with CT colonography in patients older than 70 years: the importance of detecting extracolonic abnormalities.

Objective: The objective of our study was to evaluate the significance of extracolonic abnormalities in patients older than 70 years referred for CT colonography (CTC).

Materials And Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 400 consecutive patients older than 70 years undergoing CTC over a 14-month period. All patients presented with weight loss, alteration of bowel habits, rectal blood loss, abdominal pain, or anemia; these symptoms led to clinical suspicion of lower gastrointestinal abnormalities.

Assistance of colorectal stent insertion by sphincterotome.

Purpose: Palliation of patients with unresectable colorectal carcinoma is an effective treatment and technical failure is undesirable. Insertion of colorectal stent using a combined radiologic and colonoscopic technique may be technically limited by the ability to negotiate tortuous bends, particularly if the bowel is fixed.

Methods: We used a through scope sphincterotome, which improved the ability to traverse difficult strictures.