Bowel preparation for CT colonography in clinical practice: a Japanese National Survey

Abstract

We have reported adverse events associated with computed tomography (CT) colonography in a Japanese national survey (Eur Radiol 2017; 27: 4970-4978.). Our aim in this study is to review bowel preparation methods for CT colonography practice in Japan. These data have not been published in the previous paper. Any cathartic or laxative preparation was used for bowel cleansing in 92% (398/431) of the sites, and low-dose bowel preparation method was performed for 19% (82/431) of the sites. Fecal tagging with an oral contrast medium was used at 65% (282/431) of the sites. Dietary restrictions on the day before the examination were implemented for 84% (364/431) of the sites, and specially designed test meals were used for 79% (339/431) of the sites. Bowel preparation was started on the day before the examination at 60% (258/431) of the sites. This national survey was useful for reviewing bowel preparation methods used for CT colonography practice in Japan. It is important to establish recommendations for CT colonography standards, which are intended to guide and support clinical practice by promoting improvement of the quality of CT colonography technique and patient experience.