Unforeseen Computed Tomography Resimulation for Initial Radiation Planning: Associated Factors and Clinical Impact

AbstractPurposeRepeat computed tomography (CT) simulation is problematic because of additional expense of clinic resources, patient inconvenience, additional radiation exposure, and treatment delay. We investigated the factors and clinical impact of unplanned CT resimulations in our network.Methods and MaterialsWe used the billing records of 18,170 patients treated at 5 clinics. A total of 213 patients were resimulated before their first treatment. The disease site, location, use of 4-dimensional CT (4DCT), contrast, image fusion, and cause for resimulation were recorded. Odds ratios determined statistical significance.ResultsOur total rate of resimulation was 1.2%. Anal/colorectal ( P