ISSN:
1573-2568
Keywords:
RADIONUCLIDE IMAGING
;
GASTROINTESTINAL MOTILITY
;
DIAGNOSIS
;
OUTCOME AND PROCESS ASSESSMENT
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract We performed a retrospective utilization studycovering a four-year period to determine how physiciansfamiliar with colon transit scintigraphy (CTS) use it tomanage patients with chronic constipation. Following CTS, there was a change is bothfrequency and likelihood of diagnosis. The diagnosis waschanged in 51% of patients — 37% of thoseconsidered to have slow transit constipation (STC)before CTS, 43% with obstructed defecation, and 64% withfunctional bowel disease (FBD). CTS increased thediagnostic likelihood in all groups. Of patients withthe diagnosis of STC, 16% were considered “almost certain” before CTS while 83% wereconsidered “almost certain” after CTS. ForFBD comparable percentages were 13% and 62%. CTS mayplay a major role in the diagnostic work-up of patientswith chronic constipation, both altering diagnosis andincreasing diagnostic certainty.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1026689714120
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