CA
A 24-year-old member asked:
What happens during a virtual colonoscopy?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Alain Adesanswered
Gastroenterology 41 years experience
Virtual: You are in a cat scanner, with air and sometimes contrast pumped into you. Unpleasant and not as accurate as a regular colonoscopy. Also, if something is found, youmwill need a colonoscopy anyway.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Kyle Cologneanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 15 years experience
CT: Virtual colonoscopy involves a bowel prep just like a regular colonoscopy. However, rather than a scope inserted via the anus to look at the inside with a camera, air is infused into the colon and a ct scan obtained. The radiologic images give a 3d picture of the inside of the colon to determine if any polyps or other ptoblems exist. If they do, you will still need a colonoscopy to check them out.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Michael Puckett commented
Radiology 36 years experience
It is important to note that a follow colonoscopy would be required in only about 10% of patient. Approximately 87% of patients will have no significant findings (a mass or polyps larger than 5 mm) and no further procedures would be necessary.
Mar 17, 2013
Last updated Jun 20, 2014
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