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Benefits and Advantages
There are several benefits and advantages of the Virtual Colonoscopy procedure. This procedure allows patients to receive full abdominal CT scans, in which Radiologists use to screen your colon for polyps along with any other extra colonic findings. The high-tech software used to view the colon allows Radiologists to explore all areas of the colon, without any limitations. The “fly-through” is done in real time with ability to change speeds, stop, reverse or even manually navigate throughout (including behind folds) the colon. Additional benefits include:
No sedation is required and patients recover faster from the procedure.
Since the procedure is non-invasive, there is no need for intravenous sedation that is regularly required for a conventional colonoscopy. A very small recovery period is needed and you are able to resume your daily activities as soon as the procedure is completed.
Patients with a history of incomplete optical colonoscopy can still receive a colon cancer screening through virtual colonoscopy.
Using computed images of your lower abdomen, 3-D software replicates your colon enabling Radiologists to thoroughly examine your reconstructed colon without the use of harsh equipment. In addition, Radiologists will screen the entire colon even where optical colonoscopy could not reach due to physical limitations.
Quick, safe, and easy; The procedure takes only 10-15 minutes.
Once you are ready to be scanned, the procedure generally takes no more than 10-15 minutes. The colon is distended using CO2 (Carbon Dioxide; A colorless, odorless, nonpoisonous gas), safely allowing the colon to be examined virtually. There is no risk of perforation of your colon due to equipment. In addition, if you are allergic to Demerol, Versed, Fentanyl or have had problems with anesthesia, you can still get a VC without any problems. Overall, Virtual Colonoscopy is a simple, fast and effective procedure.
Other abnormalities can be detected in the abdominal organs.
Virtual Colonoscopy utilizes images from your lower abdomen, allowing Radiologists to examine the whole abdomen for colonic findings and other abnormalities. Examples of abnormalities include renal and liver cysts, kidney and gallbladder stones, and hiatal hernia.
High sensitivity and specificity for lesions 8mm or greater.
In recent independent study published in the NEJM, the accuracy of Virtual Colonoscopy proved equivalent to the conventional colonoscopy in detection of polyps, 8mm and greater. With the use of the right equipment and highly trained Radiologists, Virtual Colonoscopy screening proved to be a highly effective method in detecting polyps and other abnormalities.
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