Saint Joseph’s Hospital announced today that it is now offering a ‘virtual’ colonoscopy. The minimally-invasive CT colonography has been recommended by the American Cancer Society as a screening option for colon cancer and also for those patients who have previously had an ‘incomplete colonoscopy’ or for other reasons, those who are not good candidates for an invasive colonoscopy.
“The ‘virtual’ colonoscopy allows the physician to examine the colon for polyps or other abnormal growths using a CT scan. It is a new option for those patients who can’t, or don’t want, a traditional colonoscopy
With the CT colongraphy, patients must take the usual oral preparation to cleanse the bowel. The patient has a CT scan, both supine and prone (lying on the back and face down). The scan is read by a radiologist who can see abnormalities or other problems throughout the length of the colon. If abnormalities are found, a traditional colonoscopy maybe required. Anesthesia is not required and exposure to radiation is minimal.
