Why Virtual Colonoscopy?
by: Joe Ramirez
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Want is Virtual Colonoscopy?
Virtual colonoscopy (VC) is the imaging procedure that applies multiple means such as uses x-rays and computers so that produce two-D and three-D images of the colon.
Through virtual colonoscopy, images of colon, that is in the large intestine in the lowest part, called rectum, and displayed them on a screen. The colonoscopy is used to diagnose colon diseases such as cancer.
Virtual colonoscopy is performed through computed tomography; sometimes it’s also done with CAT scan and with magnetic resonance imaging as well.
Procedure of virtual colonoscopy
Though preparations for virtual colonoscopy (VC) may vary, patients are generally asked to take some laxatives or other oral agents at home a day ahead of the procedure to clear stool from the colon section.
Apart from this methods like suppository are also used to clean the rectum. The patients are given a solution to coat any residuals from colon.
Virtual colonoscopy takes place in the usually in the radiology departments of hospitals and it takes approximately 10 minutes time.
During the virtual colonoscopy patient is placed in a supine position. A thin tube is inserted into the rectum to pump air through the tube so that colon can be inflated for better viewing.
The examination table moves through the scanner in order to produce a series of 2-D cross-sections along the length of the colon. Then these images are put together using computer to create a 3-D picture.
Advantages of virtual colonoscopy
Virtual colonoscopy is easier and more comfortable than that of conventional colonoscopy. Since no sedation is needed and it’s also possible for patients to return to their usual activities and go home after the procedure.
Virtual colonoscopy provides clearer, more accurate and detailed images than a conventional x-ray procedure that use a lower gastrointestinal (GI) series.
Apart from this it takes relatively less time than both conventional colonoscopy and lower GI series methods.
Disadvantages of virtual colonoscopy
The main disadvantage to virtual colonoscopy is its cost. Another disadvantage of virtual colonoscopy is that radiologists cannot take tissue samples, making conventional colonoscopy a necessity, if abnormalities are found.
Apart from this results of virtual colonoscopy are not as clear as in conventional colonoscopy. Moreover, virtual colonoscopy is performed using CT that exposes the patient to ionizing radiation.
Though some research has shown that ultra-low dose virtual colonoscopy can be just as effective in demonstrating colon disease as well. According to these reports it’s possible because of the great difference in x-ray absorption that happens between air and the tissue of the inner walls of the colon.
Though some radiologists recommend virtual colonoscopy as the best and preferred approach to colorectal screening, optical colonoscopy is also considered as the best standard by other professionals as it permits comprehensive screening and visualization of the entire colon, thereby providing with the opportunity to identify precancerous cancer as soon as possible.
About the Author
Since early diagnosis is very critical to detect cancer and it’s possible with virtual colonoscopy. So find the best virtual colonoscopy center and get colonoscopy screening done.
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