Virtual colonoscopy (VC) uses x-rays and computers to produce two- and three-dimensional images of the colon (large intestine) from the lowest part, the rectum, all the way to the lower end of the small intestine and display them on a screen. The procedure is used to diagnose colon and bowel disease, including polyps, diverticulosis, and cancer. VC can be performed with computed tomography (CT), sometimes called a CAT scan, or with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Procedure

While preparations for VC vary, you will usually be asked to take laxatives or other oral agents at home the day before the procedure to clear stool from your colon. You may also be asked to use a suppository to cleanse your rectum of any remaining fecal matter.

VC takes place in the radiology department of a hospital or medical center. The examination takes about 10 minutes and does not require sedatives. During the procedure, the doctor will ask you to lie on your back on a table. A thin tube will be inserted into your rectum, and air will be pumped through the tube to inflate the colon for better viewing. The table moves through the scanner to produce a series of two-dimensional cross-sections along the length of the colon. A computer program puts these images together to create a three-dimensional picture that can be viewed on the video screen.

You will be asked to hold your breath during the scan to avoid distortion on the images. The scanning procedure is then repeated with you lying on your stomach.

After the examination, the information from the scanner must be processed to create the computer picture or image of your colon. A radiologist evaluates the results to identify any abnormalities.

You may resume normal activity after the procedure, although your doctor may ask you to wait while the test results are analyzed. If abnormalities are found and you need conventional colonoscopy, it may be performed the same day.

Conventional Colonoscopy

In a conventional colonoscopy, the doctor inserts a colonoscope - a long, flexible, lighted tube-into the patient's rectum and slowly guides it up through the colon. Pain medication and a mild sedative help the patient stay relaxed and comfortable during the 30- to 60-minute procedure. A tiny camera in the scope transmits an image of the lining of the colon, so the doctor can examine it on a video monitor. If an abnormality is detected, the doctor can remove it or take tissue samples using tiny instruments passed through the scope.

Advantages of Virtual Colonoscopy (VC)

VC is more comfortable than conventional colonoscopy for some people because it does not use a colonoscope. As a result, no sedation is needed, and you can return to your usual activities or go home after the procedure without the aid of another person. VC provides clearer, more detailed images than a conventional x ray using a barium enema, sometimes called a lower gastrointestinal (GI) series. It also takes less time than either a conventional colonoscopy or a lower GI series.

Disadvantages of Virtual Colonoscopy (VC)

The doctor cannot take tissue samples or remove polyps during VC, so a conventional colonoscopy must be performed if abnormalities are found. Also, VC does not show as much detail as a conventional colonoscopy, so polyps smaller than 10 millimeters in diameter may not show up on the images.

A virtual colonoscopy is a procedure done to view the colon using x-rays and computers. This procedure is usually done to determine the presence of polyps, inflammation, infection, and cancer in the colon. A virtual colonoscopy is often performed along with a CT scan or an MRI for a complete visualization and is recommended by the American Cancer Society as an important screening tool for cancer.

How is it done?

A day prior to the exam the patient is often ordered to be on a liquid diet as well as to undergo a complete emptying of the bowel through enemas or laxatives. This is to facilitate full visualization of the colon. During this time patients are encouraged to take plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

The test is often done in the radiology unit of a hospital or clinic. The patient is made to lie on his side in a fetal or C-position on the exam table and a thin tube, aided by a lubricant is then inserted into the rectum. The tube pumps air into the rectum in order to expand the colon and make visualization easier. Afterwards, the patient is made to lie in a supine position. The exam table then slides into the scanning chamber which creates two-dimensional cross-sections of the whole length of the colon which can then be viewed through a video monitor. During this time the patient must refrain from any movement since movement may result to blurred images. The whole procedure may last as long as 20 minutes.

Advantages and disadvantages

Although a virtual colonoscopy is easier, less invasive and does not require sedation, it is also more expensive. A biopsy is also not possible with a virtual colonoscopy, which is why in the event that polyps are detected during the procedure, a conventional colonoscopy may follow to obtain tissue samples for biopsy.