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I had an abdominal MRI done a few years ago to look for intestinal issues, and was surprised at the resolution. Ever since I've wondered why we don't just do th
by russellbeattie 3y ago
I had an abdominal MRI done a few years ago to look for intestinal issues, and was surprised at the resolution. Ever since I've wondered why we don't just do that regularly to see if there's anything that looks worrisome, before going through such an invasive process as a colonoscopy.
Actually, I just looked it up. Apparently it's a thing and called "virtual colonoscopy" [1]. Seems like the future to me.
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/virtual-colonoscopy/about/pac-20385156 https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/virtual-colonosc...
- rocqua 3y agoMRI machines are much more expensive than colonoscopy machines. Orders of magnitude more expensive.
- kwhitefoot 3y agoBut the MRI machine can do a more thorough investigation is less time with less inconvenience to the patient and with fewer medical staff. The colonoscopy I had essentially occupied a doctor and a nurse for close to half an hour. The MRI that I had more recently for the same purpose took one radiologist and the part involving me was over in less than fifteen minutes. And the capital cost of the machine is not necessarily the relevant measure. If the MRI machine is idle then it is wasting money so if you have one it should be used as much as possible which means that the marginal cost of the MRI might well compete with colonoscopy. I have also read that many colonoscopy patients, especially in the US, require sedation which of course is not necessary with MRI.