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Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (Allo-SCT) implies that a donor and a recipient are not genetically identical. Allo-SCT is used to cure a variety of conditions, including hematologic malignancies using the graft versus tumor effect, nonmalignant hematologic, immune deficiencies, and, more recently, genetic disorders and inborn errors of metabolism. Given the immunosuppressive and myeloablative nature of some of the conditioning chemotherapy regimens used during the Allo-SCT, patients are often at high risk of infection, including viral infections affecting the gastrointestinal tract, following the transplant. Furthermore, other complications such as hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) or graft-versus-host disease may occur post-transplant and may require endoscopy to assist in the diagnosis. This review will provide newer insights into the importance of endoscopic techniques in the diagnosis of post-Allo-SCT complications with a focus on safety and timing.

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OBJECTIVE: To determine whether risk stratification can optimize the benefits of flexible sigmoidoscopy (FSG) screening. METHODS: The Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial was conducted from 1993 to 2001 in the United States. A colorectal cancer (CRC) risk stratification tool was developed in the control arm (n = 64,207) from the PLCO cohort and validated in the UK Biobank (n = 270,726). PLCO participants (n = 130,021) were classified into low-, medium-, and high-risk groups. Cumulative incidence and mortality were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations between screening and CRC incidence and mortality. RESULTS: The CRC risk stratification tool was based on age, gender, body mass index, smoking status, family history of CRC, diabetes, regular use of aspirin, and CRC screening history. Compared with the control arm, FSG screening was significantly associated with a reduction in mortality in both the medium-risk (HR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.63-0.92) and high-risk groups (0.58, 0.46-0.73), but not in the low-risk group (0.85, 0.61-1.19). FSG screening also reduced distal CRC incidence and mortality in the medium-risk and high-risk groups. Furthermore, it was associated with a reduction in incidence (0.74, 0.59-0.92) and mortality (0.59, 0.40-0.87) of proximal colon cancer in the high-risk group. CONCLUSIONS: FSG screening yielded more benefits for the high-risk group than for the low-risk and medium-risk groups, supporting the development of a risk-stratified CRC screening strategy.

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Flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS), which is less invasive, resource intensive and costly than colonoscopy, is among the recommended screening options for colorectal cancer (CRC). Four large randomized trials consistently reported statistically significant, albeit modest effects of screening by FS on CRC incidence. However, their effect estimates included cancers that were already prevalent at recruitment and could not have been prevented by screening. We performed a re-analysis and meta-analysis of two of the trials (including the largest one) to estimate reduction of truly incident cases by a single FS offered between 55 and 64 years of age among the "at risk study population" without prevalent CRC at recruitment. In meta-analyses of data reported after more than 15 years of follow-up, relative risk (95% CI) in intention-to-screen and per-protocol analyses were 0.71 (0.66-0.76) and 0.59 (0.55-0.65) for any CRC, and 0.52 (0.47-0.57) and 0.34 (0.30-0.39) for distal CRC, respectively. These results indicate much stronger effects than those suggested by the original reports and imply that a single screening FS can prevent approximately two out of three distal incident CRC cases within 15 + years of follow-up.

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BACKGROUND: The value of lower gastrointestinal endoscopy (LGIE; colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy) relates to its ability to detect clinically relevant findings, predominantly cancers, preneoplastic polyps or inflammatory bowel disease. There are concerns that many LGIEs are performed on low-risk patients with limited benefit. AIMS: To determine the diagnostic outcomes of LGIE for common symptoms. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study of diagnostic LGIE between March 2019 and February 2020 using the UK National Endoscopy Database. We used mixed-effects logistic regression models, incorporating random (endoscopist) and fixed (symptoms, patient age, and sex) effects upon two dependent variables (large polyp [≥10 mm] and cancer diagnosis). Adjusted positive predictive values (aPPVs) were calculated. RESULTS: We analysed 384,510 LGIEs; 33.2% were performed on patients aged under 50 and 53.6% on women. Regarding colonoscopies, the unadjusted PPV for cancer was 1.5% (95% CI: 1.4-1.5); higher for men than women (1.9% vs. 1.1%, p < 0.01). The PPV for large polyps was 3.2% (95% CI: 3.1-3.2). The highest colonoscopy cancer aPPVs were in the over 50s (1.9%) and in those with rectal bleeding (2.5%) or anaemia (2.1%). Cancer aPPVs for other symptoms were <1% despite representing 54.3% of activity. In patients under 50, aPPVs were 0.4% for cancer and 1.6% for large polyps. Results were similar for sigmoidoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Most colonoscopies were performed on patients with low-risk symptoms, where cancer risk was similar to the general population. Cancer and large polyp yield was highest in elderly patients with rectal bleeding or anaemia, although still fell short of FIT-based screening yields.

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BACKGROUND: The strategy for preventing colorectal cancer is screening by colonoscopy, which offers a direct way for detection and removal of adenomatous polyps (APs). American College of Gastroenterology guidelines recommend that people aged ≥ 45 years should undergo colonoscopy; however, how to deal with people aged ≤ 45 years is still unknown. AIM: To compare the prevalence of APs and high-grade neoplasia between the left and right colon in patients ≤ 45 years. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted at a single tertiary III hospital in China. This study included patients aged 18-45 years with undergoing initial colonoscopy dissection and pathological diagnosis AP or high-grade neoplasia between February 2014 and January 2021. The number of APs in the entire colon while screening and post-polypectomy surveillance in following 1-3 years were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 3053 cases were included. The prevalence of APs in the left and right colon was 55.0% and 41.6%, respectively (OR 1.7, 95%CI 1.6-2.4; P < 0.05). For APs with high-grade neoplasia, the prevalence was 2.7% and 0.9%, respectively (OR 3.0, 95%CI 2.0-4.6; P < 0.05). Therefore, the prevalence of APs and high-grade neoplasia in the left colon was significantly higher than in the right colon in patients aged ≤ 45 years. There were 327 patients who voluntarily participated in post-polypectomy surveillance in following 1-3 years, and APs were found in 216 cases (66.1%); 170 cases had 1-3 polyps (52.0%) and 46 cases had > 3 polyps (14.1%; OR 0.3, 95%CI 0.1-0.6; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that flexible sigmoidoscopy would be an optimal approach for initial screening in people aged ≤ 45 years and would be a more cost-effective and safe strategy.

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Diverticular bleeding is the most common cause of lower gastrointestinal bleeding and accounts for 20.8%-41.6% of cases in the Western world. Management involves initial resuscitation followed by diagnostic assessment. Colonoscopy is the investigation of choice as it localizes the bleed and has the potential to effectively deliver therapeutic interventions. Other diagnostic modalities include flexible sigmoidoscopy, a tagged red blood cell scan, or angiography. In cases where the bleeding source cannot be identified, intraoperative enteroscopy has emerged as a valuable tool for investigating obscure gastroenterology bleeds in specific patients. In this case report, we describe the management of a 77-year-old male with recently diagnosed pan-colonic diverticulosis who presented with multiple episodes of rectal bleeding and syncope. Due to his declining hemodynamic status and failed endoscopy and embolization, he was taken to surgery for a colectomy. Intraoperative colonoscopy was utilized to facilitate accurate identification of the pathology, assessment of anastomotic patency, and detection of surgical complications. This case report attempts to portray how the incorporation of endo-videoscopy into surgical planning has the potential to enhance patient outcomes and represent a significant advancement in the field of minimally invasive surgery.

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Objectives: The effectiveness of colonoscopy to reduce colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality is extrapolated from cohort studies in the absence of randomized controlled trial (RCT) data, whereas flexible sigmoidoscopy is supported by RCT data and may be easier to implement in practice. We characterized the anatomic distribution of CRC to determine the proportion that is visible with sigmoidoscopy. Methods: Patients with a primary diagnosis of colorectal adenocarcinoma were identified in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program (2000-2020). Tumors from the rectum to the descending colon were categorized as visible by sigmoidoscopy, whereas more proximal tumors required colonoscopy. Differential prognosis between tumor locations, stratified by age groups and stage, was assessed using the overall restricted mean survival time (RMST) at 2, 5, and 10 years. Results: Among 309,466 patients, 58% had tumors visible by sigmoidoscopy, including 73% of those under age 50 (OR 2.10, 95% CI 2.03-2.16 age < 45, OR 2.20, 95% CI 2.13-2.27 age 45-49 versus age ≥ 50). Male sex (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.51-1.56) and Asian or Pacific Islander race (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.56-1.64) were also positively associated with tumors visualizable by sigmoidoscopy. Across age groups, for local disease, RMST was comparable for tumors visible versus not visible on sigmoidoscopy. For regional and metastatic cancer, patients with tumors visible by sigmoidoscopy had improved RMST versus those with more proximal tumors. Conclusions: 58% of CRC arises in locations visible by flexible sigmoidoscopy. Flexible sigmoidoscopy should be considered as a viable option for CRC screening, particularly in younger patients unwilling or unable to undergo colonoscopy.

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BACKGROUND: High quality endoscopy is key for detecting and removing precursor lesions to colorectal cancer (CRC). Adenoma detection rates (ADRs) measure endoscopist performance. Improving other components of examinations could increase adenoma detection. AIMS: To investigate how endoscopist performance at flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS) affects adenoma detection and CRC incidence. METHODS: Among 34,139 participants receiving FS screening by the main endoscopist at one of 13 centres in the UK FS Screening Trial, median follow-up was 17 years. Factors examined included family history of CRC, bowel preparation quality, insertion and withdrawal time, bowel segment reached, patient pain and ADR. Odds ratios (OR) for distal adenoma detection were estimated by logistic regression. Hazard ratios (HR) for distal CRC incidence were estimated by Cox regression. RESULTS: At screening, 4,104 participants had distal adenomas detected and 168 participants developed distal CRC during follow-up. In multivariable models, a family history of CRC (yes vs. no: OR 1.40, 95%CI 1.21-1.62), good or adequate bowel preparation quality (vs. excellent: OR 0.84, 95%CI 0.74-0.95; OR 0.56, 95%CI 0.49-0.65, respectively) and longer insertion and withdrawal times (≥ 4.00 vs. < 2.00 min: OR 1.96, 95%CI 1.68-2.29; OR 32.79, 95%CI 28.22-38.11, respectively) were associated with adenoma detection. Being screened by endoscopists with low or intermediate ADRs, compared to high ADRs, was positively associated with CRC incidence (multivariable: HR 4.71, 95%CI 2.65-8.38; HR 2.16, 95%CI 1.22-3.81, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Bowel preparation quality and longer insertion and withdrawal time are key for improving distal adenoma detection. Higher ADRs were associated with a lower risk of distal CRC.

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A woman and man in their 20s presented to the accident and emergency (A&E) department with abdominal pain, vomiting, and absolute constipation. They both presented as atypical candidates for faecal impaction with few medical and lifestyle risk factors. On CT imaging, a faecolith was visualised in the sigmoid colon as a cause of the large bowel obstruction (LBO) in both patients. A faecolith obstruction can be a life-threatening sequela of faecal impaction. The first line of treatment for LBO is conservative management with oral laxatives and enemas. If this is unsuccessful, interventions such as flexible sigmoidoscopy with the placement of enemas above the blockage can be used. In the event of a compromise to bowel vascularity or if previous interventions prove unsuccessful, there is also scope for surgery. After the resolution of the blockage, follow-up investigations should be performed to elicit an underlying cause in the hope of preventing a recurrence.

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OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to estimate the effect of flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS)-based screening on colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality by conducting an updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library searched for RCTs from database inception to December 2022. The methodological quality of the RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool. RevMan 5.4 was used for this meta-analysis. RESULTS: Four RCTs involving 457, 871 patients were included. This meta-analysis revealed that FS-based screening was associated with a 20% relative risk reduction in CRC incidence [RR = 0.80; 95% CI (0.75, 0.86); P < 0.00001], and a 24% reduction in CRC mortality [RR = 0.76; 95% CI (0.70, 0.82); P < 0.00001]. In addition, this meta-analysis revealed that FS-based screening reduced the incidence[RR = 0.68; 95% CI (0.60, 0.77); P < 0.00001] and mortality[RR = 0.64; 95% CI (0.49, 0.83); P = 0.0007] of distal CRC, but had no significant effect on proximal colon cancer. CONCLUSION: FS-based screening appeared to be effective in reducing distal CRC incidence and mortality in patients at average risk compared to no intervention, but had no significant effect on proximal colon cancer.

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Objectives: Guidelines recommend performing a flexible sigmoidoscopy in patients hospitalized with acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC). However, it is unclear if time to sigmoidoscopy affects relevant clinical outcomes. We aimed to assess the impact of early sigmoidoscopy on clinical outcomes using a well-characterized cohort of patients with ASUC. Methods: This is a single-center, retrospective study of all patients hospitalized with ASUC from January 1, 2012 to November 1, 2021. Early sigmoidoscopy was defined as occurring within 72 hours of admission while delayed sigmoidoscopy was defined as occurring >72 hours after admission. Primary outcomes were cumulative days of intravenous (IV) corticosteroid (CS) use, length of hospital stay, and colectomy rates. Secondary outcomes were time to infliximab (IFX) rescue and inpatient opioid medication use. Results: A total of 112 patients hospitalized with ASUC who underwent sigmoidoscopy were included in the analysis. Eighty-seven patients (78%) had early sigmoidoscopy and 25 (22%) had delayed sigmoidoscopy. Patients in the early sigmoidoscopy group were exposed to significantly fewer days of IV CS (4.5 vs 9.2 days; P < .001), had shorter hospital stays (6.4 vs 19.3 days; P < .001), and shorter time to IFX rescue (3.5 vs 6.4 days; P = .004). Rates of colectomy in the early and delayed sigmoidoscopy groups were 17% versus 28%, respectively (P = .23). Longer time to sigmoidoscopy was associated with a 16% increased risk of colectomy (HR = 1.16, P = .002). Conclusions: In this well-characterized cohort, early sigmoidoscopy in ASUC was associated with favorable clinical outcomes. These findings highlight the benefits of early sigmoidoscopy in patients with ASUC. Larger prospective studies are needed to corroborate these findings.

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INTRODUCTION: Rigid proctosigmoidoscopy (RP) and flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS) are two modalities commonly used for intraoperative evaluation of colorectal anastomoses. This study seeks to determine whether there is an association between the endoscopic modality used to evaluate colorectal anastomoses and the rate of anastomotic leak (AL), organ space infection, and overall infectious complication. METHODS: The 2012-2018 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for patients undergoing colorectal anastomoses. Anastomotic evaluation method (RP versus FS) was identified by Current Procedural Terminologycoding and used for group classification. Outcomes measured included AL, organ space infections, and overall infection. Multivariable logistic regression analysis for predicting AL was performed. RESULTS: We identified 7100 patients who underwent a colorectal anastomosis with intraoperative endoscopic evaluation. RP was utilized in 3397 (47.8%) and FS in 3703 (52.2%) patients. RP was used more commonly in diverticulitis (44.5% versus 36.2%, P < 0.01), while FS was used more frequently in malignancy (47.5% versus 36.7%, P < 0.01). Anastomotic evaluation with FS was associated with lower rates of organ space infection (3.8% versus 4.8%, P = 0.025) and AL (2.9% versus 3.8%, P = 0.028) compared to RP. On multivariate logistic regression modeling, anastomotic evaluation with RP was associated with a higher risk of AL (odds ratio 1.403, 95% CI 1.028-1.916, P = 0.033) compared to FS. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to FS, rigid proctosigmoidoscopic evaluation of a colorectal anastomosis was associated with an increased rate of AL and organ space infection.

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To meet the needs of the colorectal cancer (CRC) patient population, colorectal cancer screening is continuously updated. The most significant advice is to start CRC screening exams at age 45 for people at average risk for CRC. CRC testing is divided into two categories: stool-based tests and visual inspections. High-sensitivity guaiac-based fecal occult blood testing, fecal immunochemical testing, and multitarget stool DNA testing are stool-based assays. Colon capsule endoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy are visualization examinations. There have been arguments about the importance of these tests in detecting and managing precursor lesions because of the lack of validation of screening results. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence and genetics have prompted the creation of newer diagnostic tests, which require validation in diverse populations and cohorts. In this article, we have discussed the present and emerging diagnostic tests.

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INTRODUCTION: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major health issue, being responsible for nearly 10% of all cancer-related deaths. Since CRC is often an asymptomatic or paucisymptomatic disease until it reaches advanced stages, screening is crucial for the diagnosis of preneoplastic lesions or early CRC. AREAS COVERED: The aim of this review is to summarize the literature evidence on currently available CRC screening tools, with their pros and cons, focusing on the level of accuracy reached by each test over time. We also provide an overview of novel technologies and scientific advances that are currently being investigated and that in the future may represent real game-changers in the field of CRC screening. EXPERT OPINION: We suggest that best screening modalities are annual or biennial FIT and colonoscopy every 10 years. We believe that the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI)-tools in the CRC screening field could lead to a significant improvement of the screening efficacy in reducing CRC incidence and mortality in the future. More resources should be put into implementing CRC programs and support research project to further increase the accuracy of CRC screening tests and strategies.

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PURPOSE: Treatment of invasive rectal adenocarcinoma is stratified into upfront surgery versus neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, in part, based on tumor distance from the anal verge (AV). This study examines the correlation between tumor distance measurements (endoscopic and MRI) and relationship to the anterior peritoneal reflection (aPR) on MRI. METHODS: A single-center retrospective study was performed at a tertiary center accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC). 162 patients with invasive rectal cancer were seen between October of 2018 and April of 2022. Sensitivity and specificity were determined for MRI and endoscopic measurements in their ability to predict tumor location relative to the aPR. RESULTS: One hundred nineteen patients had tumors endoscopically and radiographically measured from the AV. Pelvic MRI characterized tumors as above (intraperitoneal) or at/straddles/below the aPR (extraperitoneal). True positives were defined as extraperitoneal tumors [Formula: see text] 10 cm. True negatives were defined as intraperitoneal tumors > 10 cm. Endoscopy was 81.9% sensitive and 64.3% specific in predicting tumor location with respect to the aPR. MRI was 86.7% sensitive and 92.9% specific. Utilizing a 12 cm cutoff, sensitivity of both modalities increased (94.3%, 91.4%) but specificity decreased (50%, 64.3%). CONCLUSION: For locally invasive rectal cancers, tumor position relative to the aPR is an important factor in determining the role of neoadjuvant therapy. These results suggest endoscopic tumor measurements do not accurately predict tumor location relative to the aPR, and may lead to incorrect treatment stratification recommendation. When the aPR is not identified, MRI-reported tumor distance may be a better predictor of this relationship.

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OBJECTIVE: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the second largest cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Current CRC screening in various countries involves stool-based faecal immunochemical testing (FIT) and/or colonoscopy, yet public uptake remains sub-optimal. This review assessed the literature regarding acceptability of alternative CRC screening modalities compared to standard care in average-risk adults. METHOD: Systematic searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane and Web of Science were conducted up to February 3rd, 2022. The alternative interventions examined were computed tomography colonography, flexible sigmoidoscopy, colon capsule endoscopy and blood-based biomarkers. Outcomes for acceptability were uptake, discomfort associated with bowel preparation, discomfort associated with screening procedure, screening preferences and willingness to repeat screening method. A narrative data synthesis was conducted. RESULTS: Twenty-one studies met the inclusion criteria. Differences between intervention and comparison modalities in uptake did not reach statistical significance in most of the included studies. The findings do suggest FIT as being more acceptable as a screening modality than flexible sigmoidoscopy. There were no consistent significant differences in bowel preparation discomfort, screening procedure discomfort, screening preference and willingness to repeat screening between the standard care and alternative modalities. CONCLUSION: Current evidence comparing standard colonoscopy and stool-based CRC screening with novel modalities does not demonstrate any clear difference in acceptability. Due to the small number of studies available and included in each screening comparison and lack of observed differences, further research is needed to explore factors influencing acceptability of alternative CRC modalities that might result in improvement in population uptake within different contexts.

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Background: The question of whether flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS) for colorectal cancer (CRC) affects incidence or mortality remains unclear. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis and systematic review to explore this issue. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov was performed for cohort studies (CS), case-control studies, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of people who underwent FS and reported mortality or incidence of CRC until 11 December 2022. Relative risk (RR) was applied as an estimate of the effect of interest. To combine the RRs and 95% confidence intervals, a random-effects model was used. The quality of the included studies and evidence was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale, the Jadad scale, and the "Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation System." Results: There were a total of six RCTs and one CS, comprising 702,275 individuals. FS was found to be associated with a 26% RR reduction in CRC incidence (RR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.66-0.84) and a 30% RR reduction in CRC mortality (RR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.58-0.85). In the incidence subgroup analysis, FS significantly reduced the incidence of CRC compared with non-screening, usual care, and fecal immunochemical testing. Significance was also shown in men, women, distal site, stages III-IV, ages 55-59, and age over 60. In terms of the mortality subgroup analysis, the results were roughly the same as those of incidence. Conclusion: According to this study, FS might reduce the incidence and mortality of CRC. To confirm this finding, further prospective clinical studies should be conducted based on a larger-scale population. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023388925.

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Necrotising fasciitis (NF) is a severe and life-threatening soft tissue infection that often requires extensive debridement and reconstruction. Isolated extra-peritoneal rectal perforations due to trauma, cancer, inflammatory bowel pathology or iatrogenically induced can rarely cause necrotising fasciitis beyond the perineum. Given its rarity, there is a high threshold of suspicion which often leads to late recognition and poor outcome. We present a case of necrotising myofasciitis of the right lower limb following occult rectal perforation sustained during elective flexible sigmoidoscopy, and augment this case report with a literature review to guide diagnostics, intervention, and recovery. Therefore, the aim of this work was to review, compile, analyse, and present clinical details to identify masquerading presentations and determine the optimal treatment regimen. A search of PubMed, Scopus, Ovid, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL Plus, AMED, Web of Science (Science Citation Index), and Google Scholar was supplemented by hand searching. Data extracted included demographics, patient management, and outcome. Of 104 citations identified by a systematic literature search, eight case reports of eight subjects with necrotising fasciitis of the lower limb secondary to rectal perforation met the criteria for analysis. The most common treatment modality was surgical debridement in all cases and bilateral above knee amputation in one case, disarticulation of the lower limb was the treatment in this case we report. Furthermore, faecal diversion by the formation of de-functioning colostomy was performed in the same setting for four (50%) of the patients and appeared to increase survival. Overall 45 days mean (S.E.) disease-specific survival was found to be 32.8 (7.0) days. There is an insufficient number of cases reported to date to confer a significant survival advantage between having a defunctioning colostomy in the same setting as the debridement as opposed to having it at a later setting or not having it at all (Mantel-Cox p=0.1). In summary, a review of all the cases in the literature suggests that NF of lower limbs can be an atypical presentation of rectal cancer, pathology, and/or trauma. We report a case of unilateral lower limb NF secondary to rectal perforation in a non-cancer patient, likely due to flexible sigmoidoscopy. Due to the small number of patients, it is inherently difficult to draw firm conclusions however multi-modality management appears to be more effective, with meticulous debridement, defunctioning of the bowel and downstaging radiotherapy if required. We recommend a UK-wide, national database/registry for NF that will help gather data and formulate more standardised management guidelines.

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Colorectal carcinoma is the third most malignant and second leading cause of death from cancer. The cruelty of this entity is that it takes decades to be symptomatic and is known to be detected late in its timeline by a screening technique. The fatality of this carcinoma only means heightened importance of screening guidelines to be laid down and strict follow-ups by the healthcare providers. A novel method, a potential competitor that could now replace the present screening techniques for colorectal carcinoma, is computed tomographic colonography (CTC) or virtual colonoscopy. Though it first came into existence in 1994, this method is yet to be deeply studied and scrutinized for it to be the next benchmark modality. This review has mainly focused on the various features of CTC. It is contrasted against the gold standard colonoscopy for its superiority, efficacy, cost-effectiveness, patient logistics, and role in detecting extra-colonic lesions. The main focus would be laid on CTC being a screening modality. The review also emphasized why there is a need for the current healthcare providers to incorporate this modality into their practice widely. Although much has been said about CTC and its various aspects of cost-effectiveness, about it being replaced or supplemented for cancer screening, a collaborative effort has to be made by both the fields of radiology and gastroenterology to investigate the outcomes of this not so new technique in daily practice and to avoid misinterpretation of the results due to lack of skill and proficiency.