Virtual Colonoscopy Procedure

Virtual colonoscopy is the latest colon cancer screening tool. In this procedure, an advanced multi-detector spiral CT (computerized tomography) scanner is used to generate 2-D and 3-D images of the colon and other organs in the pelvis and abdominal region. Virtual colonoscopy differs from traditional colonoscopy in various ways. In the virtual type, various unsuspected conditions and diseases outside the colon can be detected, whereas, in the traditional colonoscopy procedure, detection of diseases is confined to the colon region only. However, unlike the traditional type, virtual colonoscopy can only detect a polyp (pre-cancerous growths), and cannot be used to remove them. Polyps left undiagnosed can result in cancer, thus their early detection and removal is crucial.

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. The American Cancer Society suggests that all men and women above the age of 50 should undergo this colon cancer screening procedure. Colon cancer is treatable in its early stages, and oncologists say that the virtual scan may improve the survival rates in America. This is because the traditional colonoscopy procedure comprised a catheter and camera, which was inserted through the anal cavity. However, the virtual procedure does not require this cumbersome process, although it does require the same cleansing of bowel before the procedure. Virtual colonoscopy takes only minutes to complete and sedation is not needed. Moreover, the traditional method involves the use of a long, flexible, light tube called a colonoscope to view the colon's interior. However, the virtual method involves the use of CT or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to view the inside of the colon. Thus, this new technology may encourage more people to take the test.

Virtual Colonoscopy Procedure

Prior to the commencement of the virtual colonoscopy procedure, the patient will have to undergo bowel preparation. Bowel preparation involves the emptying of the gastro-intestinal tract of all possible solids. This is done by maintaining a clear fluid diet for 1-3 days before the procedure. Laxatives, in the form of pills, are also given to prepare the bowel, the night before the procedure. These laxatives loosen the stool and increase bowel movements. Once bowel preparation has been done, the actual procedure starts.

On the day of the procedure, the patient's colon is empty because of the bowel cleansing. As an empty colon usually collapses, the colon is inflated with carbon dioxide or room air. Inflation is necessary for the inner colon walls to be visible for examination. A small tube is inserted through the patients rectum, by which the air is filled into the colon. The patient will experience some pressure or fullness, however, no pain.

Once the colon has been inflated, the patient is ready for scan. Generally, two CT scans are taken, wherein, one scan is done while lying on the back, and the other while lying on the stomach. Scans while lying sideways are also sometimes taken. The scans usually take less than a minute. When the patient is moved into the scanner, he is instructed by the CT technologist to hold still. The arms of the patient are positioned above the head, to ensure they don't come in the way. The patient will also be told to hold his or her breath during the actual scan time (15 seconds), so as to avoid blurred images.

When the scan has been completed, the patient is removed from the scanner and allowed to leave the scan room. While the patient gets dressed, the images are transferred to the Viatronix V3D Computer (technologically innovative diagnostic imaging device) for interpretation. By the time the patient gets dressed and goes back to the waiting room, the report is ready to be examined by the physician. In case any polyps are detected from the report, the physician will direct the patient to go in for a conventional colonoscopy procedure in order to remove the polyps. This can be done the same day or later.

According to researchers, virtual colonoscopy is able to detect tumors of 10 millimeters and larger, 90% of the time. Thus, this is promising news for the field of colon cancer research and prevention.