In some cases, the traditional colonoscopy or polyp removal can be done the same day as the virtual colonoscopy. If these findings are seen, your health care provider will likely suggest a traditional colonoscopy to get samples of the irregular tissue or remove the polyps. This is when the pictures show polyps or other irregularities in the colon. If you're at average risk of colon cancer and you have no colon cancer risk factors other than age, your doctor may suggest repeating the exam in five years.
This is when the health care provider doesn't find any irregularities in the colon. Your health care provider will go over the results of the colonoscopy and then share them with you. You may feel bloated or pass gas for a few hours after the exam as you clear any remaining air or gas from your colon. You can restart your usual activities after your virtual colonoscopy. You may be asked to turn and hold some other positions as well as hold your breath at times.Ī virtual colonoscopy typically takes about 15 minutes. Then you'll turn over to lie on your belly or your side and your body will be scanned again. The exam table will be moved into the CT machine, and your body will be scanned. The air or gas helps create clear pictures and may cause a feeling of pressure in your stomach area.įor the next part of the exam, you'll lie on your back. Through this catheter, your colon will be filled with air or carbon dioxide as you roll over on the table while keeping your spine straight. A nurse or technologist will place a small tube called a catheter inside your rectum. You'll begin the exam lying on your side on the exam table, usually with your knees drawn toward your chest. Medicine to put you to sleep usually isn't necessary, but you may be given medicine to relax your colon. You'll wear a gown but likely no other clothes. For a short amount of time, you may need to stop taking certain medicines days or hours before the exam. Remind your health care provider of your medicines at least a week before the exam. The medicine will help the health care provider see the difference between colon irregularities and stool. Take medicine to identify stool in your colon.You may also need to use a suppository to clear any remaining bowel movement in your colon. Take a laxative the night before the exam.You may not be able to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the exam. Typically, you won't be able to eat that day. Follow a special diet the day before the exam.To empty your colon, follow your health care provider's instructions carefully. Any bowel movement, or stool, left in your colon may cloud the pictures taken during the exam. What you can expect Before the testīefore a virtual colonoscopy, you'll need to empty your colon. Check with your health insurance provider to see which tests are covered. Not all health insurance providers pay for virtual colonoscopy for colon cancer screening. This is about the same as the amount of natural radiation you might be exposed to in two years, and much less than the amount used for a regular CT scan. Health care providers use the lowest amount of radiation possible to take a clear picture. Virtual colonoscopy uses a small amount of radiation to make the pictures of your colon and rectum. However, this risk is lower compared with that of traditional colonoscopy. The colon and rectum are pumped with air or carbon dioxide during the test and this carries a small risk of causing a tear. Tear (perforation) in the colon or rectum.Problems unrelated to colon cancer such as irregularities in the kidneys, liver or pancreas can be detected. Studies have shown that virtual colonoscopy finds large polys and cancer at about the same rate as usual colonoscopy.īecause virtual colonoscopy looks at the entire abdomen and pelvic area, many other diseases may be found. Chronic painful and swollen bowel disease called Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.A family history of colon cancer or colon polyps.A history of colon cancer or unusual tissue clumps called polyps in your colon.You aren't able to have a virtual colonoscopy if you have: Are at risk of colonoscopy side effects, such as a lot of bleeding because your blood doesn't clot in the usual way.Do not want medicine that puts you to sleep or you need to drive after the test.Are at an average risk of colon cancer.Your health care provider may suggest a virtual colonoscopy if you:
Virtual colonoscopy is used to check for colon cancer in people who are at least 45 years old.
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