Virtual colonography colon cancer screening is quick and painless. It’s a comfortable, highly effective alternative to traditional colonoscopies. You can avoid sedation, the need for someone to drive you to and from the procedure, and endoscope insertion when choosing this diagnostic procedure.

Who is a candidate for a virtual colonography?
If you’re due for a routine colonoscopy because of age or other colon cancer risk factors, chances are you can choose virtual colonography instead. Your provider might suggest you begin colon cancer screening at age 45 or as needed because of specific symptoms or risk factors.

You may not be a candidate for a virtual colonoscopy if you have a history of colon cancer, colon polyps, Crohn’s disease, acute diverticulitis, or ulcerative colitis. If you have polyps that require removal, you must undergo a traditional colonoscopy.

What should I expect during virtual colonography?
To prepare for a virtual colonography, follow your provider’s instructions. You must first empty your colon by avoiding food, drinking clear liquids, using a laxative, taking medications, or adjusting your usual medicines.

You change into a hospital gown and lie down on an exam table while your Life Imaging specialist uses a catheter to insert air into your colon. Your exam table slowly glides into a CT scanning machine, which scans your body for signs of medical problems. You might change positions while the CT machine completes additional scans.

You might need to hold your breath during certain times throughout the screening procedure.

A virtual colonography often lasts about 15 minutes vs. up to the 60 minutes required during traditional colonoscopies, not including sedation and recovery time, which can take up to three hours.

What happens after a virtual colonography?
Afterward, you might feel a bit bloated or gassy for a few hours as your body clears away gas from your colon. You can resume typical daily activities, including driving, immediately. Your Life Imaging specialist interprets the results and offers referrals to other specialists for further diagnostic testing or treatment if necessary.