What is a virtual colonoscopy

What is a virtual colonoscopy?

A virtual colonoscopy is different from a regular colonoscopy. The virtual colonoscopy is performed in the radiology department of a hospital or medical center. No sedatives are needed and no scope is used. You will lie on your left side on a narrow table that is connected to a CT scan machine.

A small, flexible tube will be inserted into your rectum. Air is pumped through the tube to make the colon bigger and easier to see. Pumping air into the colon can create cramping or gas pains.
After this is done, you’ll be asked to lie on your back as the table slides into a large tunnel through the machine, where x-rays create images of your colon.

A regular colonoscopy may also need to be done (on a different day) after a virtual colonoscopy if:

No cause for bleeding or other symptoms were found. Virtual colonoscopy can miss some smaller problems in the colon.
Biopsy or polyp removal is needed.

Your doctor will most likely recommend a conventional colonoscopy instead of a virtual colonoscopy for the majority of patients. The reason is that virtual colonoscopy does not allow the doctor to remove tissue samples or polyps. This is important because some polyps can be precancerous and must be removed to eliminate the possibility of turning into cancer. In addition to removing polyps, your doctor may want to take additional biopsies to rule out certain conditions in conjunction with symptoms you experience. This can only be done with a conventional colonoscopy.

How to prepare for either test

Everyone undergoing any type of colonoscopy, virtual or traditional, must completely empty their bowels before the exam. Both tests require a bowel prep and clear liquid diet, specified by your doctor.

Risks for a virtual colonoscopy

Radiation exposure. The risk of radiation exposure remains uncertain, although it is significantly lower radiation than one is exposed to during standard CT scans.
The medications to prepare for the test can cause nausea, vomiting, bloating, or rectal irritation.

Considerations

Differences between virtual and conventional colonoscopy include:

Virtual colonoscopy uses no sedation, and patients are usually able to go back to their normal activities right away after the test. Conventional colonoscopy involves sedation, and usually the loss of a work day.
Conventional colonoscopy uses the same prep as a virtual and allows for biopsies at the time of the procedure, thus no need for patient to repeat prep and have a 2nd procedure if something abnormal is found on the virtual colonoscopy.
Conventional colonoscopy has a lesser margin for missing smaller problems in the colon.
Screening conventional colonoscopy generally covered by most insurance companies at 100%.
Virtual colonoscopies may not be covered by insurance and can be a very expensive out of pocket cost for a patient.
Not all medical facilities are currently performing virtual colonoscopies.

You Might Also Enjoy...

What Should I Do About My Recurring Hemorrhoids?

While hemorrhoids aren’t usually a health risk, their presence can take the enjoyment out of life quickly. Itching, irritation, and painful bowel movements are even bigger problems when they occur after your initial episode has cleared up.

Treating Pilonidal Disease Using the Bascom Cleft Lift Procedure

A condition that hits an area near the tailbone and the cleft of the buttocks, pilonidal disease causes recurring abscesses. The Bascom cleft lift goes beyond draining the infection to provide you with a better chance of avoiding future problems.

Can Pilonidal Disease Go Away on Its Own?

Pilonidal disease or cysts can be the result of ruptured hair follicles, usually requires medical attention. These infections typically don’t heal spontaneously, and they can develop into painful abscesses or cavities that require surgery.

I Have Bright Blood When I Wipe; What Could It Be?

Whether accompanied by pain or not, bright red blood noticed after a bowel movement is an uncomfortable moment. Although it could be minor, if you experience bright red blood it is important to be evaluated and not assume your bleeding is hemorrhoids.

Anal Warts Nonsurgical and Surgical Treatment Options

Typically, anal warts display few or no symptoms, but when they do, you could experience bleeding, discharge, itching, and lumps in the anal area. You have both nonsurgical and surgical treatment options for these growths, also called condyloma.

Why Pilonidal Disease Primarily Affects People In Their Teens to Early 40s

Pilonidal disease tends to affect people who are in their teens through early 40s. Although the underlying reasons for the condition aren’t fully understood, infections seem to stem from deeper buttocks that trap moisture.