Colon Investigation - Factors Determining Choice of Procedure

Colon Investigation With Barium Enema, CT Colonography and Colonoscopy: A Prospective Registration of Indications, Delay and Procedure Results.

Registration of patients referred for colon investigation by barium enema, CT colonography and colonoscopy in two hospitals and one radiology centre in Telemark, Norway, for a period of minimum six months. Indications, delay and results of procedure will be recorded.Hypothesis: Choice of procedure for colon investigation is not based solely on clinical indication, but factors like delay, patient preference, lack of knowledge about the the procedures by the referring physician may have a decisive influence. The study will also analyse the correlation between patients symptoms, clinical findings and laboratory results and major pathology findings by colon investigation. Further, delay from patient´s first symptoms to finally diagnosis by colon investigation will also be registered and analysed.

see extensive protocol in Norwegian

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients referred to colon investigation
• Patients must be 18 years or older

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients not able to give a written consent