Virtual Colonoscopy Cost

Colorectal cancer is a form of cancer which kills about 50,000 people every year. In fact, it is the second leading cause of deaths due to cancer. About 97,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed each year. Colorectal cancer develops over a long period of time. The cancer manifests into a deadly form only after 10 to 20 years from starting an abnormal cell growth. Thus, if detected at an early stage, the spread of cancer can be easily prevented. In fact, about 90% of people suffering from colorectal cancer can become cancer free if the cancer is detected early. Virtual colonoscopy is a screening test for detecting colorectal cancer.

What is Virtual Colonoscopy

Earlier, colonoscopy was done by inserting a 5 foot probe inside the body. Apart from being a painful experience, this procedure also take a lot of time. The patient had to be given anesthesia and required a hospital stay. However, these days a less invasive procedure called virtual colonoscopy is adopted. This procedure is also called computer tomography colonoscopy (CT colonoscopy). This procedure makes use of computer screen and X-rays. A radiologist captures hundreds of 3-D images of the inside of colon and rectum. He then studies these images to detect any abnormal growth. The results of the colonoscopy procedure are available on the same day and your doctor may be willing to discuss them if you have a prior appointment with him.

Before the procedure, you need to prepare your colon for the screening. This includes getting rid of any fecal material inside the colon and rectum. Presence of fecal material may interfere with the clarity of images, thereby leading to inaccurate results. Virtual colonoscopy preparation must begin 24 hour prior to the procedure. The patient is given clear liquid diet along with laxatives and suppositories. This rids the colon of any fecal matter. During the procedure a tube is inserted in the rectum, through which carbon dioxide is released in the abdomen. Virtual colonoscopy is completed within 15 - 20 minutes and the patient is free to leave right after.

How Much Does a Virtual Colonoscopy Cost

Virtual colonoscopy procedure is a relatively inexpensive procedure. Traditional colonoscopy costs about $3,000, whereas virtual procedure cost is about $400 - $800. However, one must note that virtual colonoscpy expenses are not covered by any health insurance, whereas traditional colonoscopy is covered by insurance. Besides, traditional colonoscopy needs to be repeated after 10 years, if your results are normal, whereas virtual procedure needs to be done every 3 years. Besides, if an abnormal growth is detected during a screening, you need to go for another procedure to remove the polyps. In case of traditional colonoscopy, the growth is removed in the same procedure. These factors should be considered while taking into account the cost of colonoscopy.

If any abnormal growth is detected, the person is asked to go for traditional colonoscopy. Besides, high risk individuals with a history of polyps, colorectal cancer or family history of cancer should rely on traditional colonoscopy only. Additionally, the virtual procedure cannot detect polyps that are less than 5 - 7 mm in size.

Nonetheless, this procedure can be convenient to average risk people who do not wish to go for traditional colonoscopy. It can be an effective tool of regular screenings for colorectal cancer. People who are above 50 years of age should get themselves screened for colorectal cancer on a regular basis. Early detection can prevent the cancer from taking a progressive form.