Medical Health Encyclopedia

Virtual Colonoscopy

Unfortunately, diarrhea is common during preparation. Drink plenty of clear liquids, such as apple juice and chicken broth, to avoid dehydration.

Make sure you tell your health care provider about any medications you are taking. You’ll be told which you can take, and which you should temporarily stop. CT and MRI scanners are very sensitive to metals. Don’t wear jewelry the day of your exam. You’ll be asked to wear a hospital gown for the procedure.

How the test will feel:

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The x-rays are painless. Pumping air into the colon can create temporary cramping or gas pains.

Why the test is performed:

Virtual colonoscopy may be performed to:

• Diagnose colorectal cancer
• Look for polyps
• Follow up after an incomplete or failed colonoscopy
• Follow up after a previous finding of colon cancer or polyps
• Examine those with a family history of colon cancer

References:

Virtual Colonoscopy, The Medical Letter, February 14, 2005; 1202:15

Van Dam, J. et al. CT Colonography. Gastroenterology. 2004; 127: 970-984 

Lieberman, D. Colonoscopy: Good as Gold? Ann Intern Med. 2004; 141: 401-403 

Pickhardt, P. et al. Location of Adenomas Missed by Optical Colonoscopy. Ann Intern Med. 2004; 141:352-359

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