Virtual Colonoscopy

What is a Virtual Colonoscopy?

Virtual colonoscopy is a non-invasive painless medical test that helps physicians evaluate the entire colon for polyps using a state of the art multidetector CT scanner and an advanced 3D processing workstation.

Images of the large intestine are taken using computerized tomography (CT) .A computer puts the images together to create an animated, three-dimensional view of the inside of the large intestine. There is neither sedation needed nor a colonoscope inserted thru the colon as in a regular Colonoscopy.

What are some common uses for Virtual Colonoscopy?

This procedure is used to look for signs of pre-cancerous growths, called polyps; cancer; and other diseases of the large intestine.

What will I experience during the procedure?

The technologist begins by positioning you on the CT examination, usually lying flat on your back. Straps and pillows may be used to help you maintain the correct position and to hold still during the exam. A very small, flexible tube will be passed two inches into your rectum to allow air to be gently pumped into the colon using a hand-held squeeze bulb. Sometimes an electronic pump is used to deliver carbon dioxide gas into the colon. In either case, you will be able to control the amount of air or gas passing into the colon. The purpose of the gas is to distend the colon a little to eliminate any folds or wrinkles that might obscure polyps from the physician’s view. Next, the table will move through the scanner. Patients are asked to hold their breath for about 15 seconds before turning over and lying on their stomach for a second scan. Once the scan is done, the tube is removed.

The entire examination is usually completed within 10-15 minutes. After a CT exam, you can return to your normal activities

The vast majority of patients who have CT Colonography report a feeling of fullness when the colon is inflated during the exam, as if they need to pass gas. Significant pain is uncommon, occurring in fewer than 5 percent of patients. A muscle-relaxing drug may be injected intravenously to lessen discomfort, but this is seldom necessary. After the tube is inserted, your privacy will be respected. The scanning procedure itself causes no pain or other symptoms.

When you enter the CT scanner, special lights may be used to ensure that you are properly positioned. With modern CT scanners, you will hear only slight buzzing, clicking and whirring sounds as the CT scanner revolves around you during the imaging process.

You will be alone in the exam room during the CT scan, however, the technologist will be able to see, hear and speak with you at all times.