Virtual Colonoscopy

Virtual Colonoscopy

A quick, pain-free alternative to traditional colonoscopy, virtual colonoscopy is a non-invasive radiological technique that allows visualization of the entire colon for the detection of colorectal disease. This type of scan combines computed tomography (CT) technology with sophisticated image processing to create a three-dimensional display of the inner surface of the colon which skilled radiologists can evaluate to determine the presence of polyps and colon cancers.

Since more than 95 percent of all colon cancers start as benign polyps that gradually transform to a malignant state over a ten to fifteen year period, virtual colonoscopy can be a vital tool for early detection because it provides physicians with a unique window of opportunity to detect and remove pre-cancerous polyps before they become harmful.

This service is available at the following locations:

Imaging Center
of Southern Illinois

Despite the variety of cancer screening tests available, participation in colorectal cancer screening remains low. Virtual colonoscopy can help change that trend. Physicians can now screen for pre-cancerous polyps and early cancer without the use of a scope, which many patients find uncomfortable.

In advance of an exam, patients are required to undergo a bowel-cleansing regimen of a low-residue diet, combined with magnesium citrate and phosphasoda (for details click here). The patient is scanned in both prone and supine positions with air insufflation into the rectum. The scan takes approximately ten minutes. Following the scan, the data is transferred to a workstation where advanced software creates three-dimensional images simulating what is normally viewed during a conventional colonoscopy.

The American Cancer Society recommends that people over age 50 undergo colon cancer examinations every five to 10 years. Those with a family history of colon cancer have been advised to begin screenings as early as age 35. Virtual colonoscopy is also recommended to patients who have an unsuccessful or incomplete routine colonoscopy, require an evaluation of the colon proximal to an obstructing lesion, those who are on anticoagulation medication, are frail and weak, or have symptoms, but refuse other methods of screening. Patients interested in a virtual colonoscopy should consult their doctors to find out if it is the appropriate screening method for them.