Overview
A virtual colonoscopy can be used to find out if there are any abnormalities within your rectum and colon which form a part of the large intestine. Through this procedure, images from the interior of the large intestine are taken by removing your own body.
The CT scan can be used to build photographs of your intestinal. Following the scanning, computers will combine all the pictures from your intestinal tract to create 2-D and 3-D views of the interior. A virtual colonoscopy may be called the CT colonography.
In some instances, there are instances where an MRI may be utilized instead of the CT scan.
A virtual colonoscopy, as well as a conventional colonoscopy, utilize different instruments to collect images of your colon.
A standard colonoscopy is performed using the colonoscope. A colonoscopy is an extensive and lighted tube that has tiny cameras at the end. It’s inserted into the rectum and colon, and the camera broadcasts images of the region to a monitor.
A virtual colonoscopy is a diagnostic tool that can be used to diagnose colonoscopy
Virtual colonoscopy permits your doctor to examine the rectum and colon to detect abnormalities. Anomalies that could be discovered and diagnosed are:
- diverticulosis, a condition that creates small pouches to form in the digestive tract.
- Internal bleeding
- polyps, which are the result of the growth of tissues in your colon and the rectum
- abdominal tumors or around the liver, kidney-pancreas, spleen, or pancreas (these organs are situated close to the large intestinal tract)
- colorectal cancer
If caught early, some polyps may be removed before they become cancerous. In the event that cancer already is in the process, you’re more likely curable when it’s detected early.
Screening guidelines for colorectal cancer
The British Medicine Journal (BMJ) as well as The American College of Physicians (ACP) both suggest that patients who are at moderate risk of contracting colorectal cancer begin screening once they are at least 50 years old, and stop the screening process when they’re in their 70s.
The American Cancer Society (ACS)
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The CDC recommends that individuals with a moderate risk of getting screened start when they’re 45 years old, and stop screening once they reach 70 or 80s.
The BMJ guidelines say it is recommended to have a colonoscopy only once is enough for those who are at moderate risk. However, they do not specifically refer to an online colonoscopy.
However, the ACP and ACS suggest that patients who undergo virtual colonoscopies be screened every five years.
Screening more frequently is a good idea.
If you are at a higher chance of developing cancer colorectal Your doctor will establish an appointment to screen you.
Risk factors for high-risk include:
- A background of polyps, or colorectal cancer
- IBD, also known as inflammatory bowel disorder (IBD)
- A family history of colorectal cancer, polyps, or polyps
- Diabetes
- obesity
You can begin regular screenings as early as you are 45-50 years old.
There are risks associated with the virtual colonoscopy
Virtual colonoscopy (VCC) is an extremely new screening tool and more research is required to determine the benefits and risks.
There appear to be very few risks with virtual colonoscopy.
The air that is released through your colon can cause you to feel bloated however, the sensation should disappear once you have removed the air from your body.
There’s a tiny chance that inflating your colon can cause injuries. The ACS believes that this risk to be much less
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by using a virtual colonoscopy instead of the traditional colonoscopy.
Reactions to the contrast agent
In rare instances, individuals have a negative reaction to the agent used to highlight your intestinal.
Although not common, mild reactions may occur. They can be a result of:
- stomach cramps
- diarrhea
- nausea
- vomiting
- constipation
Responses ranging from moderate to severe towards the agent that causes contrast although rare could be a sign of an allergic reaction
- Itching or hives
- difficulties breathing or difficulty swallowing
- in a state of confusion or distress.
- rapid heartbeat
- a bluish skin color
Reaction to radiation
As with other kinds of CT scans, a virtual colonoscopy exposes you to a tiny amount of radiation. Effects from radiation exposure can include the loss of hair, fatigue, and skin conditions (such as blisters).
Preparation
To ensure that your doctor gets the clearest images for your doctor, your rectum and colon should be cleared prior to a virtual colonoscopy. This is referred to as the preparation of your bowel (bowel preparation).
To accomplish this, you’ll need to:
- Make sure you eat a clean liquid diet for the first 3 to 7 days prior to the test.
- Avoid drinking or eating anything prior to the test.
- Make sure you take a strong laxative and perhaps a suppository to help you get rid of your bowels.
- Use a contrast agent in tablet form at your home.
Discuss with your doctor the medications you are taking at least a week prior to your exam. This gives time for the doctor to implement any adjustments to your medication regimen.
Procedure
Virtual colonoscopy can be described as an outpatient procedure. However, it’s typically performed in the hospital.
You won’t have to be admitted into the hospital and will be able to go home the same day as the test is completed. The test will not be sedated.
The test lasts between 10 to 15 mins.
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to be completed. The test process can be described to be completed as follows:
- If you’re undergoing the CT virtual colonoscopy, you might be required to drink a contrast liquid agent. In certain instances, it is possible to get the contrast in pills at home.
- A thin flexible tube is inserted into your rectum.
- In CT procedures the room carbon dioxide or air is slowly in the tube in order to expand your rectum to allow for a more detailed examination.
- For MRI examinations A contrast agent administered rectally is utilized to increase the size of the.
- The table on which you’re sitting will be inserted into the CT or MRI machine. The doctor may request you to keep your breath for a short period of time to obtain an even image.
- There will be at least two scans that last about 15 minutes.
- After passing the exam after the exam, you’ll be able to let the gas out inside the restroom.
- You are able to resume your job or regular activities following the test.
Benefits of a digital colonoscopy in comparison to. the conventional colonoscopy
A virtual colonoscopy offers particular advantages over traditional colonoscopy. For instance:
- Virtual colonoscopy can take between 10-and 15 minutes, in contrast, a conventional colonoscopy will take between 15 and 60 minutes.
- A virtual colonoscopy could make it more convenient for certain individuals, as it doesn’t require the colonoscope.
- There is no need for sedatives in a virtual colonoscopy unlike a traditional colonoscopy, which typically requires one.
- It is possible to resume normal activity after a colonoscopy virtual, however, most people require time to recuperate from the sedatives that are used in conventional colonoscopy.
- A virtual colonoscopy presents a lower risk of tearing the colon or perforation as compared to a traditional colonoscopy.
The disadvantages of a digital colonoscopy as compared to. an actual colonoscopy
There are a few drawbacks of having a virtual colonoscopy
- Virtual colonoscopy may not be as precise as a standard colonoscopy in identifying smaller polyps.
- The doctor isn’t able to remove a sample of tissue or polyp with an online colonoscopy. If a sample of tissue is required, you’ll need to undergo a traditional colonoscopy.
- Certain health insurance plans might not provide coverage for colonoscopies that are virtual.
Understanding the outcomes of the results of a virtual colonoscopy
Following your colonoscopy radiologists will go over the CT images as well as MRI images. If the doctor isn’t happy with the scans it could be necessary repeat the procedure or get another screening.
If there aren’t any abnormalities inside your colon the colonoscopy will be negative.
If there is any abnormality or polyps, then the test is positive.
The doctor might recommend the use of a colonoscopy in the event that the results of your test are positive. Through this procedure, abnormal tissue samples may be taken and polyps removed.
Conventional and virtual colonoscopies also have advantages and disadvantages. Make sure you talk to your doctor regarding any concerns you might have on which procedure they suggest.
