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©2014 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Jan 7, 2014; 20(1): 100-109
Published online Jan 7, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i1.100
Published online Jan 7, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i1.100
Radiation risks associated with serial imaging in colorectal cancer patients: Should we worry?
Jeong Suk Oh, Jonathan B Koea, Department of Surgery, North Shore Hospital, Auckland 0620, New Zealand
Author contributions: Oh JS contributed to research, publication retrieval, analysis, preparation of publication; Koea JB contributed to hypothesis generation, research, publication retrieval, analysis, preparation of publication.
Correspondence to: Jonathan B Koea, Professor, Department of Surgery, North Shore Hospital, Private Bag 93505, Auckland 0620, New Zealand. jonathan.koea@waitematadhb.govt.nz
Telephone: +64-9486-8900 Fax: +64-9488-4621
Received: May 28, 2013
Revised: July 31, 2013
Accepted: August 8, 2013
Published online: January 7, 2014
Revised: July 31, 2013
Accepted: August 8, 2013
Published online: January 7, 2014
Core Tip
Core tip: Computed tomography (CT) scans are increasingly used in the followup of patients with colorectal cancer. As multimodality treatments have become more successful in treating patients with metastatic disease follow up regimes have become more intensive. However current published treatment guidelines do not give a clear indication of the optimal frequency of follow up imaging. This review summarises the adverse effects associated with frequent use of CT scans in patient follow up.