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What is a Virtual Colonoscopy?

Niki Foster
Niki Foster
Niki Foster
Niki Foster

A virtual colonoscopy is a medical procedure in which x-rays, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used in tandem with computers to create and display images of the colon. The procedure creates two- and three-dimensional images that can be used to diagnose various diseases of the colon and rectum, including diverticulosis, polyps, and cancer. A virtual colonoscopy can be used to examine the colon from its lowest end, the rectum, to the beginning of the small intestine. It can also display the right colon, the cecum, which cannot be seen completely in one in ten patients undergoing a traditional colonoscopy.

A virtual colonoscopy is more comfortable and convenient for the patient than a traditional colonoscopy. It does not require sedation, takes less time than a regular colonoscopy, and does not require any recovery time. In addition, it provides better images than a barium enema x-ray, and unlike traditional colonoscopy, it provides visual access to areas outside the colon.

A virtual colonoscopy provides internal images of the colon.
A virtual colonoscopy provides internal images of the colon.

In a traditional colonoscopy, a colonoscope, a flexible tube with camera attached, is inserted into the rectum to meet the end of the small intestine, and images are taken as the scope is retracted over a course of 20 to 25 minutes. The procedure is uncomfortable and the patient is often sedated, in which case the patient cannot drive himself home and must undergo a recovery period of 30 to 60 minutes. Preparation for a traditional colonoscopy is also inconvenient and time consuming, as the patient is often required to follow a restricted liquid diet for three days before the procedure in order to ensure that the colon is free of solid matter.

Virtual colonoscopies using CT scanners are less invasive than traditional methods.
Virtual colonoscopies using CT scanners are less invasive than traditional methods.

To prepare for a virtual colonoscopy, the patient typically takes a laxative at home the day before the procedure in order to clear the colon of solid matter. A suppository may also be used to cleanse the area. The patient will also be given a solution that coats any fecal matter remaining in the colon in order to make it visible to the radiologist, so that it will not be interpreted as polyps or other abnormal growths.

Doctors may use computerized tomography (CT) scans as part of a virtual colonoscopy.
Doctors may use computerized tomography (CT) scans as part of a virtual colonoscopy.

Virtual colonoscopy takes only ten minutes. First, a thin tube is inserted in the rectum and air is pumped in to expand the rectum and facilitate viewing. The patient is photographed first in a prone or face-down position on an examination table, and then in a supine or face-up position. While the patient is in each position, the table moves through a scanner, which captures the images. The patient must hold his or her breath while the images are produced in order to prevent distortion.

The major drawback of virtual colonoscopy is that it does not allow for immediate biopsy or removal of polyps in the case of positive results. However, a patient can undergo traditional colonoscopy right after a virtual colonoscopy if necessary. Virtual colonoscopy also does not provide images as detailed as those possible with traditional colonoscopy, so very small polyps may not be detectable. Many doctors prefer traditional colonoscopies to virtual ones, and the former remain standard procedure.

Niki Foster
Niki Foster

In addition to her role as a WiseGEEK editor, Niki enjoys educating herself about interesting and unusual topics in order to get ideas for her own articles. She is a graduate of UCLA, where she majored in Linguistics and Anthropology.

Learn more...
Niki Foster
Niki Foster

In addition to her role as a WiseGEEK editor, Niki enjoys educating herself about interesting and unusual topics in order to get ideas for her own articles. She is a graduate of UCLA, where she majored in Linguistics and Anthropology.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

golf07

I have read about the advantages and disadvantages of a virtual colonoscopy. My doctor still recommends the traditional method over the virtual. I don't know if there is any difference is the colonoscopy cost or not, but he says that you just get a better idea of what is going on.

I also have friends who will not have a traditional colonoscopy because of the chance of perforated bowels. It sounds like you don't have as much of a chance with this happening with a virtual colonoscopy.

honeybees

If you have a history of colon problems or cancer in your family, or if past colonoscopy procedures have shown that you have polyps, I think the traditional way is still the way to go.

With a family history of colon cancer, he had a sigmoidoscopy at around 4o years old. When he had a colonoscopy at 50 they found a couple of polyps. They were able to get rid of them at the time so he did not have to go through another procedure.

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    • A virtual colonoscopy provides internal images of the colon.
      By: CLIPAREA.com
      A virtual colonoscopy provides internal images of the colon.
    • Virtual colonoscopies using CT scanners are less invasive than traditional methods.
      By: ep stock
      Virtual colonoscopies using CT scanners are less invasive than traditional methods.
    • Doctors may use computerized tomography (CT) scans as part of a virtual colonoscopy.
      By: Dan Race
      Doctors may use computerized tomography (CT) scans as part of a virtual colonoscopy.