CT colonography practice in the UK: a national survey

To determine the provision of computed tomography (CT) colonography in UK radiology departments.

A questionnaire relating to the availability of CT colonography, barriers to implementation, clinical indications, technique, and practitioners was posted to clinical directors of UK radiology departments.

One hundred and thirty-eight departments responded. Fifty (36%) offered CT colonography in day-to-day clinical practice. Of those that did not, 68 of 87 (64%) cited limited scanner capacity as the main barrier. Of the 50 departments offering a service, 39 (78%) offered CT after incomplete colonoscopy, 36 (72%), after failed barium enema, and 37 (74%) as an alternative to barium enema. Of those offering a service, the number of studies performed varied between one per month (38%) to more than one per day (8%). Total experience varied between 20 or fewer studies (28%) to more than 300 (12%). Full bowel preparation was common (92%), as was dual positioning (90%). Colonography was interpreted by radiologists with a subspecialty interest in gastrointestinal imaging in 64% of centres offering a service.

CT colonography is widely available in the UK, with approximately one-third of responders offering a service. Experience and throughput varies considerably. Limited CT scanner capacity is the major barrier to further dissemination.