Virtual Colonoscopy
CT Examination for Early Visualization of Bowel Polyps
Intestinal cancer develops primarily as a result from polyps located in the large intestine that may eventually grow to become malignant tumors. This primarily affects patients over 50 years of age. If the polyps are identified in time and removed while in a benign state, we may be able to prevent the development of cancer. The "gold standard" to visualize colon polyps is a colonoscopic examination - usually uncomfortable or even painful for the patient. By comparison, a CT examination is much less complicated and relatively painless for visualizing clinically significant colon polyps.
Who is a high-risk person?
- Presence of polyps
- You indulge in a high fat and/or high meat diet
- You are hereditarily at risk
- Ulcerative colitis
If one or more of the above points apply to you, contact Regents Imaging to find out if a virtual colonoscopy is appropriate for you
How is the examination performed?
Patient preparation is required so that the intestine is as empty as possible. The actual examination or scan takes approximately 25 seconds. The images on the monitor look like a three-dimensional flight through the patient's intestine. Numerous studies have shown that clinically significant polyps can be identified using this examination method. If the result is negative, the doctor may not advise any additional follow-up. If positive, the polyps - depending on their size - may have to be removed. Smaller polyps are generally placed under further observation and removed only in case they continue to grow.
Unlike a traditional colonoscopy or barium enema, our virtual colonoscopy does not require anesthesia, intravenous lines or a colonoscope. Plus, no hospitalization or recovery period is necessary. The scanning requires you to lie on the scanning table for about 10 minutes. A small amount of air is introduced into the colon. This allows distention of the colon to enable the scanner to take accurate 3D images of the colon, including a virtual reality "fly-through.”
Your Results
Afterwards, a powerful computer reconstructs a series of 3D, semi-transparent images of the colon that a physician can view from any angle. Once the images are reconstructed, our radiologist will interpret the test. You and your personal physician will receive a detailed written report of the findings.
Who Should Consider a Virtual Colonoscopy?
The American Cancer Society recommends that screening for colorectal cancer begin at age 40 or older. People should begin colorectal cancer screening earlier and/or undergo screening more often if they have a personal history of colorectal cancer, adenomatous polyps or chronic inflammatory bowel disease. In addition, those with a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, and with hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes should be screened. This is a useful tool for incomplete conventional colonoscopies due to strictures or other forms of pathology
