VIRTUAL COLONOSCOPY

TYPES

Colonoscopy and virtual colonoscopy are distinctive in some ways. Colonoscopy is a method wherein a physician utilizes a long tube with a light and small camera toward one side, called a colonoscope, to view inside your rectum and colon. Virtual colonoscopy is a x-ray test that takes less time, and doesn’t require embedding a scope into the whole length of your colon. In contrast to colonoscopy, virtual colonoscopy doesn’t require sedation or anesthesia.

DIAGNOSIS

Your physician will suggest screening for colon and rectal malignancies at age 50 if you don’t have medical issues or factors that make you at risk for colon cancer.

Factors that can increase your risk for colon cancer include:

• A family history of polyps or cancer of the colon or rectum
• Inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
• Other factors, such as smoking or obesity

If you are at risk for a colorectal malignancy, your physician may suggest screening at a younger age, and you may be tested  frequently.

In the event that you are older than age 75, talk with your physician about whether you ought to be screened.

TREATMENT

To prepare for a virtual colonoscopy, you should taslk with your physician, change your eating routine, do cleansing of your bowels, and drink a unique fluid called contrast medium. The contrast medium enables your doctor to see your rectum and colon in the x-rays.