Virtual Colonoscopy is a screening method in which a detailed image of the large intestine (colon) is obtained using computerized tomography (CT) scanning techniques. Offered as an alternative to traditional colonoscopy, this method allows examining the internal structure of the intestine in a non-invasive way.
In addition to visualizing the internal structure of the intestines, Virtual Colonoscopy can also be used to screen for colon cancer or diagnose other intestinal problems. However, in case of any abnormal imaging, it may often be necessary to switch to a more invasive method such as traditional colonoscopy. Therefore, a physician’s guidance is recommended to perform virtual colonoscopy and evaluate the results.
Virtual Colonoscopy at Liv Hospital
Virtual colonoscopy, which is performed in 5 minutes accompanied by tomography and requires much lighter preparation, is successfully applied by the specialist physicians of Liv Hospital Radiology Clinic. Studies have been conducted on tens of thousands of patients in both America and Europe. The sensitivity of detecting polyps larger than 10 mm was shown to be 90 percent in both.
How it is made?
The patient comes on an empty stomach and is placed in the tomography device. The large intestine is inflated with controls under the guidance of tomography. In normal colonoscopy, a tube goes up to the cecum. In virtual colonoscopy, a very small urinary catheter is inserted through the rectum and the large intestine is inflated. Photographs are taken on the patient’s back and face. A scan takes 30 seconds. It takes a total of 5 minutes for the patient to enter and exit. The patient is not put to sleep. No drugs are given. It is not a painful procedure. After the shots are taken, the large intestines can be navigated in 3D with the help of a computer. Thus, the polyps and lesions here can be seen.
What is the Difference from Normal Colonoscopy (Conventional)?
The patient is given reduced bowel cleansing before the procedure. In normal colonoscopy, patients are placed on a strict diet. In virtual colonoscopy, a much lighter diet and half the dose of diarrhea medications are given. The patient goes to the toilet several times. A light diet consisting of solid foods is made the day before. Because even if feces remain in the colon, there is no problem. With the push of a button, the remaining feces can be eliminated in the machine.
Advantages
- It is a minimally invasive examination compared to colonoscopy.
- There is no need for sedation. It is very useful for patients who cannot receive anesthesia.
- Patient comfort is high. Because the preparation phase is much easier and not an unpleasant process.
- All organs in the abdomen are visible. It is a complete check-up.
- Curved columns are better evaluated.
- If there is a tumor in the abdomen or colon, it also shows tumors that have spread into the abdomen.
- It shows whether there are other tumors in obstructing tumors.
In Which Situations Is It Done?
- Colorectal cancer screening
- Incomplete colonoscopy (Spasm, colonic tortuosity, dolichocolon, diverticulosis, lack of cooperation)
- In obstructive colon cancers, investigating whether there are other tumors in the colon
- Situations where conventional colonoscopy cannot be performed (may be patients of advanced age, use blood coagulants, cannot receive anesthesia)
- Patients who refuse conventional colonoscopy
- Patients with positive stool occult blood test
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