Virtual Colonoscopy
What is the difference between the conventional colonoscopy and the virtual colonoscopy?
Virtual colonoscopy is an abdominal CT scan where “pictures” are taken and then the images are reconstructed into a 3D replica of the colon. The images are then read by a trained radiologist to look for pre-cancerous polyps or abnormalities inside and outside your colon. For the optical colonoscopy exam (also known as “conventional” or “traditional” colonoscopy), a flexible tube that has a camera at its end is inserted into the rectum and manually manipulated by a gastroenterologist (GI doctor) all the way to the beginning of the colon called the cecum. On the way back from the cecum, the GI doctor slowly pulls out and looks for polyps. If polyps are found, these can be removed using available tools through the flexible tube. Please note that only about 15% of the screening population will actually require removal of pre-cancerous polyps.
Who should have a virtual colonoscopy?
American Cancer Society recommends colon cancer screening for both men and women over the age of 50. For those individuals with a positive family history of colon cancer (family members such as father, mother, brother or sister), the American Cancer Society recommends colon cancer screening starting at the age of 40. Currently, there are several screening methods available but optical colonoscopy (also known as “conventio nal” or “traditional” colonoscopy) was the only option available for full colon screening exam. Virtual colonoscopy can visualize the entire colon and it is a convenient, non-invasive screening procedure that makes it easy to protect you from colon cancer. In addition, virtual colonoscopy is a good alternative for patients who have a history of incomplete optical colonoscopy, are allergic to IV sedation, or are hesitant to get screened because they perceive optical colonoscopy as invasive, risky, time-consuming or inconvenient.