Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/976338
55 GI/ENDOSCOPY CT colonography colorectal cancer screening more cost-effective than colonoscopy By Shayna Korol D ue to higher participation rates, CT colonography screening for colorectal cancer is more cost-effec- tive than colonoscopy screening, according to a study in Radiology. Here are four things to know. 1. The study authors aimed to compare the cost-effec- tiveness of CT colonography and colonoscopy screening by using data on unit costs and participation rates from a randomized controlled screening trial in a dedicated screening setting. 2. The authors used observed participation rates and screening costs from the colonoscopy or colonography for screening trial in a microsimulation model to estimate costs and quality-adjusted life-years gained with colonos- copy and CT colonography screening. 3. The participation rates for colonoscopy and CT colo- nography were 21.5 percent — 1,276 of 5,924 trial par- ticipants — and 33.6 percent — 982 of 2,920 participants — respectively. 4. Colonoscopy was more cost-effective in screening strategies with one or two lifetime screenings. CT colo- nography was more cost-effective in strategies with more lifetime screenings. n Device improves Barrett's esophagus, esophageal dysplasia detection By Eric Oliver A study, published in United European Gastroenterology Journal, found CDx Diagnostics Wats3D increased Barrett's esophagus and esophageal dysplasia detection by more than 80 percent. Researchers conducted a multicenter trial at 25 community-based gas- trointestinal centers across the U.S., testing 4,203 patients for esopha- geal disease. Wats3D increased detection of Barrett's esophagus by 83 percent and improved the detection of dysplasia by 88 percent. Researchers said the sampling error can be improved through the use of an adjunctive technique. e data supports previous findings showing Wats3D effectively in- creased Barrett's esophagus detection rate. CDx Diagnostics Founder and CEO Mark Rutenberg said, "Without Wats3D, gastroenterologists are forced to rely on chance, hoping that one of their small random forceps biopsies will happen to land on a highly focal area of precancer that may exist in their patient's esopha- gus. Now that we can more easily treat esophageal precancer through endoscopic ablation, the remaining obstacle to preventing the most rapidly growing cancer in the U.S. is to more reliably identify those GERD and Barrett's patients with these still harmless but precancerous changes so that we can treat them in time to prevent their progression to adenocarcinoma." Wats3D allows physicians to rapidly collect a sample of a patient's esophagus area. at sample is combined with 3-D imaging and expert cytopathology to detect precancerous cells. n After 9 years, Gastro Health replaces CEO — 5 things to know about new leader Joseph Garcia By Eric Oliver M iami-based Gastro Health's longterm CEO Alexander Fernandez departed suddenly in February, and Joseph Garcia was named his replacement. Mr. Fernandez served as Gastro Health's CEO since April 2009. Here are five things to know about Mr. Garcia. 1. Mr. Garcia came to Gastro Health after serving as Boca Raton, Fla.-based Sage Dental's CEO from May 2013 to January 2018. 2. While at Sage, he rapidly expanded the practice, increasing its footprint from 20 practices to more than 60 practices in Florida and Georgia. 3. Before his time at Sage, Mr. Garcia served as Fort Myers, Fla.-based 21st Century Oncology's COO, which he helped grow into the largest provider of radiation oncology services in the U.S. and Latin America. 4. Mr. Garcia alo led teams at several high-growth, provider-based healthcare companies, including DaVita and Sterling Healthcare. 5. He holds a master's degree in business from Omaha, Neb.-based Creighton University. n