Virtual Colonoscopy

About

Virtual colonoscopy is a good option for screening for colorectal cancer, along with colonoscopy. Virtual colonoscopy is safe, does not require IV sedation or a driver to take you home and it costs about half as much as a colonoscopy. However, polyps can't be removed during a virtual colonoscopy. Which test to choose is a question to discuss with your doctor. The important point is to be screened.

Process

• You follow the same bowel-cleansing routine for a virtual colonoscopy as that for a colonoscopy.
• On the day of the exam, you will receive a medication to relax the bowel.
• Inside the CT room, you lie on your side. A small enema tip is placed in the rectum and carbon dioxide gas is slowly introduced until you feel full. The gas expands the colon in order to get the best possible images.
• You will be scanned in two positions; each scan takes about 20 seconds. Total time in the exam room is about 10 minutes.

About 10 percent of the time virtual colonoscopy identifies a polyp requiring removal. You can elect to have a colonoscopy exam scheduled the same day as the virtual colonoscopy so you can have the polyp removed without the need for a second bowel prep.