We recently did a patient post-exam survey asking patients to rate various aspects of their virtual colonoscopy experience at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.  We mailed out 116 surveys and received 66 surveys back.  The surveys were collected from September 2004 until December 2004.  Here are the results:

• More than half rated their level of overall satisfaction with their virtual colonoscopy exam as “EXCELLENT”
• 88% preferred virtual colonoscopy over optical colonoscopy for future colon cancer screening
• 87% would recommend virtual colonoscopy as a colon cancer screening exam to a friend/family member
• In terms of levels of discomfort associated with the exam, 77% rated their pain tolerance as either “Not painful”, “Somewhat painful”, or “Tolerable”.  (Most of these patients rated their discomfort as “Tolerable”)
• Only 3 patients rated their level of discomfort as “Extremely painful”

Here some real comments patients wrote about their virtual colonoscopy experience:

“Outstanding staff, very responsive.  I prefer this rather than the optical colonoscopy.  I think more people will be tested with this.  Thank you!” 

“Excellent procedure, no sedation required, staff was super.  The DVD is great.  Thanks.”  - JK  Bristow, VA

“I liked the non-invasive nature of the procedure.”

“I was very satisfied with the procedure itself as well as the professionalism of the staff.  Thank you.”  - MJ Hyattsville, MD

“The Prep was by far the least desirable aspect of the experience.  Staff at the Radiology department was superb and very personable.  Thank you very much.”  -  LC  Middletown, MD

“I was impressed with the quick response to the normal results of my virtual colonoscopy.  Thank you!”