“I won't go anywhere else.”
Virtual Colonoscopy
Conventional Colonoscopy: At about 50 years of age, it is likely your physician will order a routine colonoscopy for you - or any time an irregularity is detected or suspected in parts of the colon. This is an examination of the large colon. In a standard colonoscopy, a CCD camera or a fiber optic camera on a flexible tube is passed through the rectum. This provides physicians with a visual path of the internal aspect of the large colon. Special instruments are used to remove polyps for biopsies or to remove suspected lesions. This is usually performed in your physician's office or within the hospital.
Virtual Colonoscopy: The latest non-invasive procedure for examining the colon using a CT scanner to view these internal structures. This method takes less time than conventional colonoscopy while still providing physicians with a clear, detailed image. No sedation is required. Virtual colonoscopy is also very useful for viewing abnormally narrow colons that a conventional colonoscopy will not reveal. If polyps appear, conventional colonoscopy is used to remove tissue samples.
How to Prepare for a Virtual Colonoscopy.
- Wear comfortable loose-fitting clothing to the exam. You may be supplied with a gown for the procedure.
- The day before the exam, limit your food intake to clear liquids such a broth, tea or juice.
- You will be given instructions to clean out your bowel the afternoon/evening before your CT colonoscopy. It is important that you follow them so the radiologist can clearly see any polyps that might be present. DRA will provide you with very specific instructions for this exam. After the exam, you'll be able to resume your usual diet.
How is it performed?
- The technologist will ask you to lie flat on the CT examination table, usually lying flat on your back to begin and then on your stomach. Because movement can interfere with obtaining a clear image, pillows are used to help you maintain the correct position.
- A small flexible tube is inserted into your rectum to gently pump air into the colon. A hand-held squeeze bulb is used. In some cases an electronic pump delivers carbon dioxide gas into the colon. This distends the colon as much as possible, eliminating folds and wrinkles, making it easier to view obscure polyps.
- Finally, the table moves through the scanner and images are obtained. You'll be asked to hold your breath for about 15 seconds. You'll turn over on your stomach for another pass through the scanner.
- Once the scan is finished, the tube is removed and you are ready to resume your normal activities.
- You should plan to be at DRA Imaging for about an hour, but the actual exam will take about 15 minutes.
Pregnancy Policy:
All patients of childbearing age (10 - 54) will be required to sign that there is No Chance of Pregnancy prior to an imaging exam being performed (Exception: - Ultrasound). If there is a chance of pregnancy, STAT blood work will be ordered prior to the procedure being performed to establish that there is no chance of pregnancy.
In the event, you are pregnant and the exam is deemed necessary by your physician, you will be shielded and monitored with a radiation badge.