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What is Virtual Colonoscopy?
Virtual
colonoscopy is a new method of imaging the entire colon that is simpler,
faster, and less invasive than conventional colonoscopy. Unlike
conventional colonoscopy, virtual colonoscopy does not require sedation.
This 5-7 minute procedure requires no sedation and can be simply
incorporated as an option into the overall Wellness Scan. The detailed
2-dimensional and 3-dimensional imaging enhances the early detection
and
viewing capabilities of polyps, including those likely to be cancerous.
Virtual Colonoscopy allow the Radiologist to look at the colon to detect
polyps. Polyps are small growths in the colon that may become cancerous
if
they are not removed *. Back to Top
How does virtual colonoscopy compare to
conventional colonoscopy?
- Diagnostic Accuracy: A New England Journal of Medicine
article (Boston University November 1999) comparing virtual colonoscopy
to conventional colonoscopy concluded virtual colonoscopy to "have
similar efficacy for the detection of polyps" that are likely to be
cancerous.
- Comfort: With Virtual colonoscopy, a small catheter tip is
inserted into the rectum, to introduce air into the colon. This is
performed in a private setting, respecting the patient's comfort and
dignity. The air allows reliable imaging of the colon wall. The air is
introduced by the patient to their own level of tolerance, under the
supervision of the technologist. In Traditional Colonoscopy, a
colonoscope is inserted into the rectum and passed throughout the colon;
a distance of several feet into the body. This procedure is
uncomfortable, and usually requires sedation.
- Convenience: The virtual Colonoscopy takes only 7 minutes of
procedure time versus 30 to 60 minutes minimum for conventional
colonoscopy. With conventional colonoscopy, the patient is usually
sedated, which takes several hours to clear from the blood stream,
requiring a lost day from work (and a friend or relative to drive the
patient to the procedure and home afterwards). Sedation is not required
for Virtual Colonscopy. The discomfort is brief and far milder: the
patient is back to work or other activities almost immediately.
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What happens if the Virtual Colonoscopy finds
a polyp? Won't I have to undergo traditional colonoscopy to remove
the polyp?
That's two studies.
The Boston University study has shown that
approximately 10%of patients who undergo virtual colonoscopy are found
to have a polyp or a suspicious polyp, requiring traditional colonoscopy
for
removal. That minority of patients will indeed undergo two studies, but
since these patients are forming polyps and are therefore at greater risk
for colon cancer, they stand to benefit from the increased diagnostic
sensitivity from combining both studies.By having the Virtual Colonoscope
first, the patient will have a "map" of suspected polyps to aid the
traditional colonoscopic procedure.
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How do I prepare?
Click here to print the detailed instructions for
preparation.
Purchase two (2) 1 oz. Bottles of Fleet
Phospho-soda (Ginger-Lemon flavor or unflavored) at any pharmacy, available
over-the-counter without a prescription (cost approximately $3.00 each:
$6.00 total).
An alternative to the above prep is offered by E-Z-EM*. You can simply
call 1-866-556-8872 (toll free) and order a LoSo Prep and NutraPrep
Nutritional prep. The NutraPrep is a prepackaged, nutritionally correct,
low-residue diet that replaces the customary clear liquids. The LoSo
Prep
is a naturally good-tasting bowel prep that requires just 8 ounces of
liquid laxative. The combination of the two together ensures that you
arrive nourished and properly prepped for your procedure.
- The NutraPrep is $25.00, Cat. No. NP100
- The LoSo Prep is $ 5.00, Cat. No. 3076
*E-Z-EM is not a subsidiary of Able Imaging. Learn more about E-Z-EM
at www.ezem.com
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What should I expect the day of the
exam?
Prior to your scan, in complete privacy, a small enema tip is
inserted into your rectum. The technologist will assist you in filling
your colon with air, which is necessary in order to visualize your colon.
The
only discomfort may be a feeling of fullness due to the air. The virtual
colonoscopy itself will take about 17 seconds to complete.
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When will I get my results?
A written
report will be mailed to you within a few days.
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Does insurance cover this exam?
At this
time, health insurance plans do not cover this procedure. The cost of the
Virtual Colonoscopy is $600.00 payable at the time of service. Currently,
the Virtual Colonoscopy, Wellness Scan and Cardiac Scoring can all be
performed on the same visit for a cost of $1095.00.
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* A Virtual Colonoscopy is contraindicated in those with rectal
bleeding, history of diverticulitis, Crohn's Disease, inflammatory
bowel
disease, ulcerative or other colitis or those who have had a recent
colonoscopy with positive findings.
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