Neck
Chest
Pelvis
Extremities
CT Cardiac Scoring Exam
CT Lung Screening Scan
Virtual Colonography
CT Virtual Colonoscopy (CT VC) is a new technique for colon and rectal carcinoma screening using Computed Tomography (CT) imaging.
Common Uses
This test may be requested by your referring physician instead of another screening procedure such as standard colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or barium enema. The images of the colon obtained during the procedure are analyzed by a board-certified radiologist to detect polyps or masses within the colon that may be cancerous.
Preparation for the Exam
The colon must be clean and empty of stool and liquids. This requires a home colon preparation. After scheduling the procedure, you will be instructed to go to any pharmacy and purchase a Fleet 3 Bowel Prep kit and follow the 24-hour bowel cleansing instructions. On the morning of the examination, you should only be passing clear or lightly colored fluid. If you are still passing solids or dark fluid, please notify the our radiology technologist. Your colon may not be completely clean, and you may have to be rescheduled. Residual material in the colon will reduce the quality of the examination.
The Toshiba Aquillion 64 CT Scanner
We use a state-of-the-art, multi-slice Toshiba Aquillion 64 CT scanner. The
first Toshiba Aquillion CT scanner in the Front Range area.
The Procedure
After a home colon preparation (see above "Preparation for the Exam") your colon should be empty and clean. A radiology technologist or nurse will insert a thin tube into the rectum, which will allow your colon to inflate gently with air. When your colon is full of air, we will quickly image your colon. You will receive instructions to hold your breath during imaging. Breathing while imaging occurs results in blurry images which will reduce the quality of the examination. The procedure takes about 30 minutes to do—start
to finish.
Symptoms after the Procedure
The symptom most likely experienced during and after the procedure is bloating.
Benefits
CT Virtual Colonoscopy has some advantages over the other screening tests since
it does not require sedation or contrast injection into blood vessels.
There are also no “scope” or “snake” or needles involved.
The radiologist can also assess other stuctures in your abdomen and pelvis
at the same time, including the aorta, bones, and organs.
Risks and Limitations of the Procedure
CT Virtual Colonoscopy is sensitive for detecting colon polyps and masses that are greater than 10 mm (about a half inch). It may not be able to detect all polyps and masses smaller than 10 mm. If a colon abnomality is identified by this test, you may have to proceed to colonoscopy for biopsy. If abnomalities of the aorta, bones or organs are found, this may lead to additional medical imaging and possible biopsy or surgery. There is exposure to medical x-ray radiation during this study. This exam should not be performed if you are pregnant. If you have any other questions about risk, please ask the radiologist.
CT Virtual Colonoscopy is typically not covered by Medicare or commercial insurance plans. The cost for this exam is $699.00 and is payable at the time of service.