The findings of SIGGAR contributed to evidence-based decision-making for policy-makers, local decision-makers such as doctors, and patients to inform best practice to improve the care, treatment and experience of health care.
Scientific evidence for NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme and patient care guidelines
The SIGGAR trials showed that computed tomographic colonography (CTC), also known as virtual colonoscopy, was better than barium enema for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer and was significantly better value for money for the NHS.
Guidelines for the management of patients with symptoms suggestive of colorectal cancer were also updated in light of these findings, which now recommend CTC over barium enema as the first line alternative to colonoscopy.
The SIGGAR trials also showed that CTC was generally as good as colonoscopy at finding colorectal cancer and had the added benefits of being associated with fewer complications and being more acceptable for many patients. These findings demonstrated that patients can be safely diverted towards CTC as an alternative to colonoscopy, which may help to alleviate pressure on overburdened endoscopy services.
On the basis of results from the SIGGAR trial, the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme recommended that only CTC should be offered as an alternative to colonoscopy.