A virtual colonoscopy has been used to screen for colorectal cancer in Richmond, Virginia and throughout the country. This form of cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related death in the United States. Screenings for the disease are important in detecting polyps before they become cancerous so that they may be removed or treated right away. Consider that polyps may take many years before they become cancerous and the importance of detecting these early to prevent cancer is abundantly clear.
A traditional colonoscopy involves a bowel cleansing that lasts for about a day, and then involves the use of a probe that is about five feet long and is used to examine the colon. Sedation is typically used during a traditional colonoscopy. This was previously the only means of screening for colon cancer and was a major turn-off to many who ultimately chose not to get screened.
Fortunately, though, the virtual colonoscopy is much less invasive. It should be noted, however, that patients are encouraged to follow the advice of their doctor in determining whether they should get a virtual colonoscopy or the traditional colonoscopy.
The virtual colonoscopy does not use a probe to examine the colon, but rather involves a scan of the colon. Hundreds of photographs of the abdomen are taken to give the radiologist a visual tour of the colon. While bowel preparation is necessary prior to the procedure, patients are not put under sedation and are not required to stay in the hospital. Many return home or go back to work after the procedure if finished.
Once the photographs are examined by the radiologist, a follow-up appointment that may include a traditional colonoscopy may be recommended. Individuals with a medical history of colorectal cancer, Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis are not the intended patients of this procedure. These individuals should consult their physician.
This procedure may be described as an unpleasant sensation instead of painful. The patient lies on a table and a plastic tube is placed in the rectum. Air is pumped through the tube to distend the colon and rectum for a better assessment by the CT scan used. The table will then move into the scanner tunnel and pictures are taken. The patient then lies on his or her stomach and the procedure is repeated. While in the tunnel, the patient may be asked to hold their breath. Once the pictures have been collected, a computer creates a three-dimensional image of the colon.
Most procedures take between 10 and 15 minutes to perform. Patients may experience gas following the procedure and may have the sensation of having to use the bathroom. Patients return home shortly after the procedure and may resume their normal activities.
Patients who are over 50 years old, those with bleeding in their rectum and those who have never had a barium enema or a traditional colonoscopy may be encouraged to undergo this procedure, or a traditional colonoscopy. If the scan comes back normal, a repeat examination may be recommended for three years in the future, although this may vary. Again, all patients are encouraged to heed the recommendations and advice given to them by their doctor. For more about virtual colonoscopy in the Richmond community, patients should consult their doctor or a professional at a scan center in their area.
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