Virtual Colonoscopy: The Inside Story -- Background and Significance -- How Accurate Is CT Colonography? -- How to Perform and Interpret a Virtual Colonoscopic Examination -- Patient Preparation -- Advanced 3D Display Methods -- MR Colonography -- Future Directions: Computer-Aided Diagnosis -- A Word About Radiation Dose.

Virtual colonoscopy is a rapidly developing technique that can be performed in an outpatient setting without sedation. It promises to be safer and less intrusive than conventional diagnostic tests for colon cancer and is attractive to patients. Despite the attention that virtual colonoscopy has received among medical professionals, many lack an understanding of the basics of this cutting-edge procedure. Renowned radiologist Abraham Dachman, MD, and a distinguished group of international contributors have prepared a fundamentals book that fills this void. This practical handbook fully explains the essentials of this state-of-the-art technique to radiologists, gastroenterologists, radiology residents, and technologists. Key topics include: *The inside story *Background and significance *Accuracy *Performance and interpretation techniques *Patient preparation *Advanced 3D display methods *MR colonography *Future directions *Radiation dose Major concepts are reinforced by clear, true-to-life illustrations. Readers will find that the practical design and current content of this guide make it an essential introduction to CT colonography.