Miller DiPietro Associates/Partnership :: Procedures
:: Virtual Colonoscopy
A Virtual Colonoscopy is a new screening technique which employs a CT scanner to examine the colon. A small catheter is inserted as a CT scanner takes x-rays of the colon, which produces a three dimensional image doctors can study for polyps.
The advantages of a Virtual Colonoscopy vs. a traditional colonoscopy are that it is less invasive, takes less time, does not require sedation and does not require a doctor to look for polyps through a scope in real time. Instead, it results in images which can be saved, manipulated for better viewing angles, and reviewed multiple times later.
According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2003, a virtual colonoscopy is just as accurate as a traditional colonoscopy in detecting potential signs of colon or rectal cancer.
How to Prepare for Your Virtual Colonoscopy
A day or so before the procedure, you will be asked to take laxatives to cleanse your colon for better image results.
Before the exam begins, we will ask you a number of questions and make certain you understand the procedure. You will lie on an examination table which will be moved into the required positions for your particular scan. A staff member will remain in constant contact with you during the exam to aid you with instructions and to make you more comfortable.
While the procedure takes place, you will lie on your back on a table and a small tube will be inserted into your rectum. Air will be used to inflate your colon for better viewing, while the table moves through the scanner. You will need to hold your breath as the scans are taken for better image results.
You will then lie on your stomach as the procedure is repeated from that angle.
The procedure typically lasts between 10 and 15 minutes, and you may be asked to wait while the doctor reviews the results. Because no sedation is required for this procedure, you will be able to resume your normal daily activities immediately after the examination without the aid of another person.
Further Virtual Colonoscopy Information
The National Digestive Diseases Clearinghouse provides an overview of Virtual Colonoscopy.
NorthEast Medical Center has a page with information about Virtual Colonoscopy, including how the procedure is done and the importance of colonoscopy in screening for colon cancer.
To learn more about CT scans, click one of the links below.
MEDLINEplus has a downloadable interactive tutorial on CT (requires Flash).
The Mayo Clinic published an excellent overview about Computerized Tomography (CT).
For the technically minded or scientifically curious, HowStuffWorks.com published an interesting article on how CAT Scans work.
General Health Resources
MEDLINEplus, a service of the National Institute of Health, is a treasure trove of medical information from the world's largest library of medical information, the National Library of Medicine. Their online resources include an illustrated medical encyclopedia, pages with information on over 600 health topics, drug information, dictionary of medical terms and health news.
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