An overview of Virtual colonoscopy
Virtual colonoscopy is a non-invasive imaging technique used to check for colon cancer. It uses a CT scan to take cross-sectional pictures of the belly organs, which are combined to create a complete view of the colon and rectum. It is recommended for individuals at least 45 years old and those who prefer a non-invasive method or have a higher risk of complications from traditional colonoscopy. However, not all health insurance providers cover virtual colonoscopy for colon cancer screening.
What is Virtual colonoscopy used for?
Virtual colonoscopy is a less invasive way to check for cancer of the large intestine. It uses a CT scan to take hundreds of cross-sectional pictures of your belly organs, which are then added together to provide a complete view of the inside of the colon and rectum. It is typically used for colon cancer screening in people who are at least 45 years old and at an average risk of colon cancer. A health care provider may suggest a virtual colonoscopy for those who do not want sedation, need to drive after the test, have a higher risk of colonoscopy side effects, or have a bowel blockage. However, it may not be suitable for individuals with a history of colon cancer or unusual tissue clumps called polyps in their colon, a family history of colon cancer or polyps, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or acute diverticulitis. Virtual colonoscopy has been shown to find large polyps and cancer at a similar rate as standard colonoscopy.
How often should Virtual colonoscopy be performed?
A virtual colonoscopy should be repeated in five years if the results are negative and you are at average risk of colon cancer. It is important to consult with your health care provider and discuss your specific risk factors and screening options.
How to prepare for Virtual colonoscopy?
Before a virtual colonoscopy, you'll need to prepare your colon by emptying it. This may include consuming a clear liquid diet the day before the test, taking a laxative or having an enema the night before the test, and refraining from eating solid foods for a certain period before the test. These steps help ensure that your colon is empty during the exam, as any remaining stool or residue may cloud the pictures taken during the virtual colonoscopy. It's crucial to follow your health care provider's specific instructions regarding preparation to ensure the best results from the exam.
How is Virtual colonoscopy conducted?
A virtual colonoscopy test is conducted using a CT scan to take hundreds of cross-sectional pictures of the belly organs. The colon is filled with air or carbon dioxide to create clear images, and the patient may be asked to change positions on the exam table to capture images from different angles. The exam typically takes about 15 minutes and is done to check for colon cancer in people who are at least 45 years old or have an average risk of colon cancer. Patients may prefer a virtual colonoscopy if they do not want sedation or have certain medical conditions that make a traditional colonoscopy unsafe or difficult.
How are Virtual colonoscopy results reported?
Virtual colonoscopy results are reported by your healthcare provider after the exam. The possible outcomes of a virtual colonoscopy include:
- Negative: This means that the healthcare provider did not find any irregularities in the colon. If you're at average risk of colon cancer and have no other risk factors, your doctor may suggest repeating the exam in five years.
- Positive: A positive result indicates the presence of polyps or other abnormalities. In this case, your healthcare provider may recommend a follow-up traditional colonoscopy or other diagnostic tests to further investigate and determine the appropriate course of action. It is essential to discuss your colon cancer screening options with your healthcare provider to determine if virtual colonoscopy is the right choice for you.
Understanding the report
Virtual colonoscopy results are interpreted by a healthcare provider who examines the images generated by the CT scan. The images are analyzed for any abnormalities, such as polyps or signs of cancer, in the colon and rectum. If any irregularities are detected, the healthcare provider will discuss the results with the patient and recommend appropriate next steps, which may include a follow-up exam or further testing. If the results are negative, the healthcare provider may recommend repeating the exam at a later date, depending on the individual's risk factors and age.
Limitations and Considerations
Limitations of the virtual colonoscopy test include:
- It cannot be performed on individuals with a history of colon cancer, unusual tissue clumps called polyps in the colon, a family history of colon cancer or colon polyps, or those with chronic painful and swollen bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
- Virtual colonoscopy is not recommended for people with acute diverticulitis or those who have had recent abdominal surgery.
- It may not be suitable for individuals who have certain metal implants or foreign bodies in their bodies that could interfere with the CT scan.
- Virtual colonoscopy may not detect smaller polyps or lesions, which may be more common in individuals with a higher genetic risk of colon cancer.
- It does not provide real-time examination or biopsy capabilities, which are available with traditional colonoscopy.
- Virtual colonoscopy involves exposure to low levels of radiation, although it is still considered safe.
- The test may lead to additional testing for other conditions or diseases unrelated to colon cancer, which may cause inconvenience or unnecessary procedures. It is important to discuss the potential limitations and risks of virtual colonoscopy with your healthcare provider to determine if it is the right screening option for you.