Virtual Colonoscopy - It's Advantages and Disadvantages

What is virtual colonoscopy?

Virtual colonoscopy is the latest colon cancers screening tool. In this process, a sophisticated multi-detector spiral CT (automated tomography) scanner is used to generate 2-D and 3-D photographs of the colon and other organs within the pelvis and stomach area. Virtual colonoscopy differs from conventional colonoscopy in various tactics. In the virtual sort, more than a few unsuspected conditions and sicknesses outside the colon can also be detected within the traditional colonoscopy process, detection of sicknesses is limited to the colon region only. However, not like the traditional sort, digital colonoscopy can simplest stumble on a polyp (pre-cancerous growths), and can't be used to remove them. Polyps left undiagnosed may end up in cancer, therefore their early detection and removing is the most important.

Colon cancer is the second leading result in of most cancers deaths in the U.S. The American cancers Society suggests that every men and women above the age of fifty should undergo this colon cancer screening process. Colon cancer is treatable in its early stages, and oncologists say that the digital experiment would possibly enhance the survival rates in the USA. This is since the traditional colonoscopy process comprised a catheter and camera, which used to be inserted in the course of the anal hollow space. However, the virtual process does not require this cumbersome procedure, despite the fact that it does require the similar cleaning of bowel before the procedure. Virtual colonoscopy takes simplest minutes to complete and sedation is not wanted. Moreover, the normal manner involves using a long, versatile, light tube called a colonoscope to view the colon's interior.

How to Prepare for Virtual Colonoscopy:

The physician will provide directions approximately tips on how to get in a position for virtual colonoscopy. The process is referred to as bowel prep. The bowel prep for virtual colonoscopy is nearly just like the bowel prep for conventional colonoscopy. In General, all solids must be emptied from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract via following a transparent liquid vitamin for 1 to 3 days prior to the procedure.  Liquids include:

• Strained fruit juice
• Plain coffee or tea
• Gelatin
• Sports drinks
• Fat-free bouillon or broth
• Water

A laxative shall be required the evening ahead of virtual colonoscopy. A laxative is medication that loosens stool and will increase bowel movements. Laxatives are regularly swallowed in pill shape or as a powder dissolved in water. After the bowel prep, patients present process CT drink a liquid referred to as contrast media that reasons the large gut to look very vivid all the way through CT. Contrast media is helping the physician identify ordinary tissues.

How is virtual colonoscopy performed?

Virtual colonoscopy is performed anyplace the CT scanner or MRI unit is located—regularly in the radiology division of a health facility or medical center. The process takes about 10 minutes and does not require sedation.

• Patients will lie face up on a desk.
• Thin tube will probably be inserted during the anus and into the rectum. For CT, carbon dioxide gasoline can be pumped throughout the tube to expand the huge intestine for higher viewing. For MRI, contrast media might be given rectally to make bigger the large intestine.
• The table will move during the CT scanner or MRI unit to provide a chain of go-sectional photographs of the colon.
• Quite a lot of issues throughout the procedure, the doctor would possibly ask sufferers to carry their breath to steady the images.
• The procedure can be repeated at the same time as sufferers lie face down.
• After the process, cross-sectional photographs taken by means of CT or MRI are processed to create three-dimensional, computer-generated pictures of the large intestine. A radiologist evaluates the consequences to spot any abnormalities. If abnormalities are discovered, typical colonoscopy could also be carried out the similar day or at a later time.

Advantages of virtual colonoscopy:

• Virtual colonoscopy does no longer require the insertion of a colonoscope into all the period of the colon. A thin tube is inserted through the anus and into the rectum to enlarge the massive gut with air.
• Sedation is not needed. An affected person can go back to standard actions or move house after the procedure without the help of another person.
• Virtual colonoscopy supplies clearer, more certain pictures than a traditional x ray the use of a barium enema—sometimes called a lower GI collection.
• This process takes much less time than both typical colonoscopy and a lower GI series.
• Virtual colonoscopy can see inside of a colon that may be narrowed due to inflammation or the presence of an unusual expansion.

Disadvantages of virtual colonoscopy:

• Virtual colonoscopy does now not allow the physician to remove tissue samples or polyps.
• Do not detect pre-cancerous polyps smaller than 10 millimeters.
• Medicare and many medical insurance plans don't pay for virtual colonoscopy cancer screening.
• A new technology that is not available as conventional colonoscopy.

Virtual colonoscopy is one option used to display for colon cancers. Discuss your colon cancers screening options in conjunction with your physician to resolve whether or not or no longer virtual colonoscopy is the proper possibility for you.