New Polyp Detection Method Could Be Cost-Saver

New Polyp Detection Method Could Be Cost-Saver. Optical technology is as accurate as colorectal tissue examination, study finds. Optical technology could help physicians detect small colorectal polyps during colonoscopies and save money, too, new research suggests.

In the report, published online Nov. 10 in The Lancet Oncology, the study authors explained that the technique could replace histopathology, which requires more testing and can be costly. Histopathology requires the examination of tissue.

Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of death from cancer, outranked only by lung cancer. It will kill an estimated 49,920 people in the United States this year, according to the American Cancer Society. But early detection, which allows doctors to remove pre-cancerous polyps, can prevent deaths.

In the study, British researchers examined the records of the diagnosis of 363 small colorectal polyps that were found in 130 people. Their aim was to determine if optical diagnosis was accurate.

They found that optical technology allowed colonoscopists to accurately pinpoint up to 93 percent of small colorectal polyps. This is about the same level as histopathology.

The researchers estimated that using optical diagnosis for the people in the study would have saved $22,000 in medical costs. By some estimates, use of optical technology instead of histopathology could save $95 million a year in the United States.

"Optical diagnosis for small colonic polyps could become acceptable standard of care in routine non-academic clinical practice," the study authors concluded. (HealthDay News)

• More parents lenient about young web use
• Duck boat sunk in World War II found in Italian lake
• DA to charge Lohan with felony grand theft
• Nasa warns solar flares from 'huge space storm' will cause devastation
• Want happy children?
• Why is King Abdullah willing to let Saudi women vote but not drive cars?
• The Full-Time Job of Finding a Job
• Better Job Searching in a Recession
• The Revolving Door of Heart Failure Hospitalization
• Seven steps to fight your debts
• Itching really can be contagious scientists prove
• Caresses and sensual touching
• Top ten online dating tips
• Ten ways to manage bad bosses
• Five Wise Ways To Save Your Marriage