3D VIRTUAL COLONOSCOPY (COLONOGRAPHY)

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer related death in the United States. With proper screening, colorectal cancer may be avoided by early detection and removal of polyps colon-rectal. iScan Imaging offers a new technology called Virtual Colonoscopy used to screen for early detection of polyps or cancers in the large intestine. Polyps are growths that arise from the inner lining of the intestine,which have been known to take several years before becoming cancerous.

Virtual Colonoscopy also known as CT colonography, uses low dose radiation CT scanning to obtain an interior view of the colon (the large intestine) that is otherwise only seen with a more invasive procedure where an endoscope is inserted into the rectum and passed through the entire colon.

Unlike the traditional colonoscopy, the Virtual Colonoscopy requires no sedation and eliminates some of the discomfort normally associated with a traditional colonoscopy. After bowel preparation, hundreds of cross-sectional images of the abdomen are obtained to render a 3-D picture of the colon. A virtual fly through of the colon is then viewed by our board certified radiologist.

The goal of screening with Virtual Colonoscopy is to find these growths in their early stages, so that they can be removed before cancer has had a chance to develop. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that women and men undergo screening for colon cancer or polyps beginning at age 50. Individuals at increased risk or with a family history of colon cancer may start screening at age 40 or younger and may be screened at shorter intervals.

Our radiologist with expertise in supervising and interpreting radiology examinations will analyze the images and send a signed report to your primary care physician or the physician who referred you for the exam, who will discuss the results with you.

Preparation

The bowel-cleansing regimen for Virtual Colonoscopy is similar to the preparation for a colonoscopy. Virtual Colonoscopy preparation is going to be restricted to clear liquids the day before the examination. It is very important to clean out your colon the night before your Virtual Colonoscopy examination so that our radiologist can clearly see any polyps that might be present. Preparations are Go-Lytely and bisacodyl tablets. Additional tagging agents may also be taken the day before the exam. These agents help our radiologist better distinguish stool from polyps by "tagging" the remaining stool and fluid.

Be sure to inform your referring physician if you have heart, liver or kidney disease to be certain that the bowel prep will be safe. Your physician can advise you on dietary restrictions prior to the exam. You will be able to resume your usual diet immediately after the exam.