Virtual colonoscopy
About this test
Virtual colonoscopy is a less invasive way to check for cancer of the large intestine. Virtual colonoscopy is also known as screening CT colonography. Unlike the usual or traditional colonoscopy, which needs a scope to be put into your rectum and advanced through your colon, virtual colonoscopy uses a CT scan to take hundreds of cross-sectional pictures of your belly organs. The pictures are then added together to provide a complete view of the inside of the colon and rectum. Virtual colonoscopy needs a similar bowel cleaning as a usual colonoscopy.
Why it's done
Virtual colonoscopy is used to check for colon cancer in people who are at least 45 years old. Your health care provider may suggest a virtual colonoscopy if you: Are at an average risk of colon cancer. Do not want medicine that puts you to sleep or you need to drive after the test. You don't want to have a colonoscopy. Are at risk of colonoscopy side effects, such as a lot of bleeding because your blood doesn't clot in the usual way. Have a bowel blockage. You aren't able to have a virtual colonoscopy if you have: A history of colon cancer or unusual tissue clumps called polyps in your colon. A family history of colon cancer or colon polyps. Chronic painful and swollen bowel disease called Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Acute diverticulitis. Studies have shown that virtual colonoscopy finds large polys and cancer at about the same rate as usual colonoscopy. Because virtual colonoscopy looks at the entire abdomen and pelvic area, many other diseases may be found. Problems unrelated to colon cancer such as irregularities in the kidneys, liver or pancreas can be detected. This may lead to more testing.
Risks and complications
Virtual colonoscopy is generally safe. Risks include: Tear (perforation) in the colon or rectum. The colon and rectum are pumped with air or carbon dioxide during the test and this carries a small risk of causing a tear. However, this risk is lower compared with that of traditional colonoscopy. Exposure to a low level of radiation. Virtual colonoscopy uses a small amount of radiation to make the pictures of your colon and rectum. Health care providers use the lowest amount of radiation possible to take a clear picture. This is about the same as the amount of natural radiation you might be exposed to in two years, and much less than the amount used for a regular CT scan.
How to prepare
Not all health insurance providers pay for virtual colonoscopy for colon cancer screening. Check with your health insurance provider to see which tests are covered.
Understanding your results
Your health care provider will go over the results of the colonoscopy and then share them with you. Your test results may be: Negative. This is when the health care provider doesn't find any irregularities in the colon. If you're at average risk of colon cancer and you have no colon cancer risk factors other than age, your doctor may suggest repeating the exam in five years. Positive. This is when the pictures show polyps or other irregularities in the colon. If these findings are seen, your health care provider will likely suggest a traditional colonoscopy to get samples of the irregular tissue or remove the polyps. In some cases, the traditional colonoscopy or polyp removal can be done the same day as the virtual colonoscopy. Finding other irregularities. Here, the imaging test finds problems outside the colon, such as in the kidneys, liver or pancreas. These findings may or may not be important, but your health care provider may suggest additional testing to find their cause.
Disclaimer: August is a health information platform and its responses don't constitute medical advise. Always consult with a licenced medical professional near you before making any changes.