Virtual colonoscopy (VC) is an imaging or x-ray test that looks for cancer, polyps, or other disease in the large intestine (colon).
A virtual colonoscopy is different from a regular colonoscopy, in which a long, lighted tool called a colonoscope is inserted into the rectum and large intestine.
The test is performed in the radiology department of a hospital or medical center. No sedatives are needed and no scope is used.
You will lie on your left side on a narrow table that is connected to an MRI or CT scan machine.
A computer combines all the images to form three-dimensional pictures of the colon, which are viewed on a video monitor.
Pictures are also taken while you lie on your stomach.
The exam takes about 20 minutes.
Everyone undergoing any type of colonoscopy must completely empty their bowels before the exam. This may be done using an enema or laxatives combined with a liquid diet the day before the test. The bowel must be completely emptied until no solid matter remains.
Unfortunately, diarrhea is common during preparation. Drink plenty of clear liquids, such as apple juice and chicken broth, to avoid dehydration.
Make sure you tell your health care provider about any medications you are taking. You’ll be told which you can take, and which you should temporarily stop. CT and MRI scanners are very sensitive to metals. Don’t wear jewelry the day of your exam. You’ll be asked to wear a hospital gown for the procedure.
The x-rays are painless. Pumping air into the colon can create cramping or gas pains.
Virtual colonoscopy may be performed to:
Your doctor may want to do a conventional colonoscopy instead of a virtual colonoscopy. The reason is that virtual colonoscopy does not allow the doctor to remove tissue samples or polyps.
A regular colonoscopy may be done (on a different day) after a virtual colonoscopy if:
Other times, a virtual colonoscopy is done if your doctor was not able to move the flexible tube all the way through the colon during a conventional colonoscopy.
Normal findings are images of a healthy intestinal tract.
Differences between virtual and conventional colonoscopy include:
Virtual colonoscopy is now one of the American Cancer Society's recommended screening tools for colon cancer.
Colonoscopy - virtual; CT colonography
Burt RW, Barthel JS, Dunn KB, David Ds, Drelichman E, Ford JM, et al. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology. Colorectal cancer screening. J Natl Compr Canc Netw. 2010;8:8-61.
Bresalier RS. Colorectal cancer. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2010:chap 123.
Updated by: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by Todd Eisner, MD, Private practice specializing in Gastroenterology, Boca Raton, FL. Clinical Instructor, Florida Atlantic University School of Medicine. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2012, A.D.A.M., Inc. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized in writing by ADAM Health Solutions.