Virtual colonoscopy

VC is different from regular colonoscopy . Regular colonoscopy uses a long, lighted tool called a colonoscope that is inserted into the rectum and large intestine. VC is done in the radiology department of a hospital or medical center. No sedatives are needed and no colonoscope is used. The exam is done as follows:…

Your bowels need to be completely empty and clean for the exam. A problem in your large intestine that needs to be treated may be missed if your intestines are not cleaned out. Your health care provider will give you the steps for cleansing your bowel. This is called bowel preparation. Steps may include: Using enemas…

The x-rays are painless. Pumping air into the colon may cause cramping or gas pains. After the exam: You may feel bloated and have mild abdominal cramping and pass a lot of gas. You should be able to return to your regular activities.

VC may be done for the following reasons: Follow-up on colon cancer or polyps Abdominal pain, changes in bowel movements, or weight loss Anemia due to low iron Blood in the stool or black, tarry stools Screen for cancer of the colon or rectum (should be done every 5 years) Your provider may recommend a regular…

Normal findings are images of a healthy intestinal tract.

Abnormal test results may mean any of the following: Colorectal cancer Abnormal pouches on the lining of the intestines, called diverticulosis Colitis (a swollen and inflamed intestine) due to Crohn disease , ulcerative colitis , infection, or lack of blood flow Lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding Polyps Tumor…

Risks of VC include: Exposure to radiation from the CT scan Nausea, vomiting, bloating, or rectal irritation from medicines used to prepare for the test Perforation of the intestine when the tube to pump air is inserted (extremely unlikely).

Differences between virtual and conventional colonoscopy include: VC can view the colon from many different angles. This is not as easy with regular colonoscopy. VC does not require sedation. You can usually go back to your normal activities right away after the test. Regular colonoscopy uses sedation and often the…

Garber JJ, Chung DC. Colonic polyps and polyposis syndromes. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology Diagnosis Management . 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 126. Kim DH, Pickhardt PJ. Computed tomography colonography and…