Virtual colonoscopies can be performed by the GI Division of Premier Medical Group.
Virtual colonoscopies can be performed by the GI Division of Premier Medical Group.
A virtual colonoscopy, known also as a screening CT colonography, is a less invasive method of checking for cancer of the large intestine. A virtual colonoscopy differs greatly from the usual, or traditional, colonoscopy procedure.
A traditional colonoscopy requires a gastroenterologist or a colorectal surgeon to insert a scope into your rectum. A specialist advances the scope through the colon. A virtual colonoscopy uses a CT scan. The procedure involves taking hundreds of images of your abdomen’s organs. The photographs provide a fuller picture of your colon and rectum.
Virtual colonoscopies can be highly effective in detecting large polyps and cancer, similar to the rate of a traditional colonoscopy.
Screening for colon cancer is one reason why patients get a virtual colonoscopy as soon as they are eligible. Speak to a healthcare provider if you are in a high-risk group for those who should get the procedure sooner rather than later.
You may be eligible for a virtual colonoscopy if you:
A medical professional will walk you through all of your options and let you know if a virtual colonoscopy is one of them. It is recommended that you prepare for consultations with any questions or possible concerns about your medical history.
Not everyone can have a virtual colonoscopy. Always speak ahead of time to a medical expert about any medical risks and concerns. You will be unable to do a virtual procedure if you have:
The American Cancer Society advises individuals in good health and with a life expectancy of more than 10 years to undergo regular colorectal cancer screening through the age of 75. The testing for people ages 76 through 85 is based on:
Individuals over the age of 85 should not undergo colorectal cancer screening.
The rate of younger adults getting diagnosed with colon cancer has risen over the past several decades. There are symptoms to look out for in individuals under the minimum-recommended screening age of 45. These include:
Bowel habit changes can present differently in each individual. Some signs that you may need to schedule a consultation or doctor’s appointment are if you have trouble with:
Screening is key and so is finding a trusted healthcare provider. Try not to delay when it comes to getting answers to any of your questions or concerns.
A virtual colonoscopy requires bowel cleansing like when you get a traditional colonoscopy. Before your procedure, make sure to:
Patients need to start preparing several days ahead of a virtual colonoscopy. Adjusting your diet three days before your procedure is important. Avoid foods that are hard to digest. Certain foods make it harder for an examiner to see organs in the pictures taken during a virtual colonoscopy.
It is easy to prevent needing to repeat the procedure by avoiding:
Starting your bowel preparation will occur the day before the procedure. You will take laxatives and contrast medication during the preparation process. Follow your provider’s instructions to guarantee that they can see any polyps or other problems on the first try without obstruction.
Follow a clear liquid diet the day before you go in for your procedure. As you follow the diet, make sure that you:
Stop drinking clear liquids by midnight. Before then, you can drink as many clear liquids as you want throughout the bowel preparation process. Some options may include:
If you still have specific questions about your liquid diet, do not hesitate to reach out to a medical professional for additional confirmation.
A virtual colonoscopy can detect more than one anomaly. Staying proactive with healthcare screenings allows a doctor to identify anything that may be worrying or more easily handled during the early stages of development. A virtual colonoscopy may turn up images of:
It is important to remember that no medical screening exam is 100% accurate. Your healthcare provider may not find every polyp. A virtual colonoscopy is a good and trusted way to check in so that your health remains as one of your top priorities, but following up is never a bad idea.
Getting a virtual colonoscopy is generally safe. You should weigh any existing risk factors and get more information from a healthcare provider if you have questions. Possible risks include:
You can return to a normal diet once you have undergone the procedure. You may feel minimal side effects like cramping in your stomach after the procedure. The cramping sensation is from the doctor using gas to inflate your colon. Walking often relieves gas and reduces cramping.
The procedure frequency differs for a CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) and a traditional colonoscopy. It is recommended that individuals get a virtual colonoscopy every five years. A traditional colonoscopy should take place every 10 years.