Some patients may not realize it, but when the time comes that a colonoscopy is in order, patients have more than one option. The traditional colonoscopy involves inserting a flexible viewing instrument called a colonoscope in the rectum. The instrument has a light attached to it, allowing the doctor performing the procedure to screen for cancer or to investigate certain symptoms a patient may be experiencing. A traditional colonoscopy may take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes depending on certain factors and if the doctor finds anything during the procedure.
Patients often find that the traditional colonoscopy is very uncomfortable and dislike the invasive nature of the procedure. The patient is often provided with medication that makes them drowsy and relieves pain prior to the procedure. These factors often lead patients to seek other less invasive procedures that serve the same purpose.
Finding a scanning center in the Portland area that provides the virtual colonoscopy option to patients may seem difficult. The technology is not yet widely available, but some clinics in the area do provide this option to patients.
With any colonoscopy, the objectives are usually the same. A colonoscopy, whether traditional or virtual, is meant to screen for precancerous or cancerous growths or polyps, monitor existing polyps or check for the recurrence of polyps after surgery. A virtual colonoscopy may be needed when a traditional colonoscopy is hindered by a tumor or growth.
Using the latest computer and x-ray technology, doctors take two- or three-dimensional photos of the intestinal lining of the large intestine and the rectum. Computed tomography scanners are used to take pictures of the patient?s colon, allowing the doctor to get a clear view of all parts of the colon. As opposed to the 30 to 45 minutes that a traditional colonoscopy may take, the virtual colonoscopy takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
A virtual colonoscopy is far less invasive than the traditional colonoscopy and is safer than the traditional method. Where in a traditional colonoscopy a long tube is inserted up the rectum, a virtual colonoscopy only requires that a thin tube be placed in the rectum to insert air into the colon. This expands the colon and gives the doctor a better picture of the patient?s colon. Some discomfort may be experienced when the air is inserted into the colon, however.
Patients also find the virtual colonoscopy attractive because there is no required medication to sedate the patient during the procedure. The patient may then drive themselves home from the procedure and go about their normal day.
There is some debate on the effectiveness of the virtual colonoscopy when compared to the traditional method, however. The virtual colonoscopy may not detect polyps smaller than 10mm and requires that the patient be exposed to a small amount of radiation during the procedure. Also, the accuracy of the virtual colonoscopy when compared to the traditional approach is in debate.
Moreover, if a polyp is found, a traditional colonoscopy will be required to confirm this and remove the polyp. Patients considering a virtual colonoscopy should consult with a doctor to determine their risk of colorectal cancer. Patients with a mild or moderate risk may choose the virtual colonoscopy, while patients at high risk should undergo the traditional colonoscopy.
While the virtual colonoscopy is not widely available, some clinics in the Portland area possess the equipment and training to interpret the test results. Be sure to find a doctor with the appropriate experience in administering this test, as only highly trained professionals should perform this screening.
Learn more about virtual colonscopy in Portland, Oregon.
