Virtual Colonoscopy

Virtual colonoscopy is the process of diagnosing the precancerous polyps in the colon. It is done using computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging to produce the 3D image of the interior lining of your colon.

Several people in the United States of America suffer from colon cancer. The cancer spreads rapidly if it is not diagnosed early. 

Thus, virtual colonoscopy is one of the famous methods healthcare facilitators use to examine the growth of cancerous cells in the rectum. Thus, whether to opt for virtual colonoscopy or not is the call of your doctor. Medical technologies have become very advanced. It has made it easier for doctors to diagnose illnesses before putting your life at stake. 

Go for virtual colonoscopy after every three to four years to avoid the chances of colon cancer. 

If you want to know more about virtual colonoscopy, then dive in. 

The Purpose of Virtual Colonoscopy 

Colon cancer is a type of cancer that people suffer from. Unfortunately, the spread of cancer increases day by day as people cannot diagnose the signs and symptoms. 

Thus, the purpose of a colonoscopy is to examine cancer at the early stages. Treatment at the early stages is highly essential before the abnormal cells spread and affect other body parts. 

If the polyps are diagnosed at an early stage via medical imaging. The healthcare facilitator can remove it easily before it turns into cancerous cells.  

If the polyps are left untreated, they can result in colon cancer. 

Thus, monitoring the growth of polyps becomes easier with the help of virtual colonoscopy. Moreover, it is also easier to examine the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases and check the internal bleeding as well. 

In addition to that, it is an accurate method of detecting colon cancer as compared to the other tests. 

How Is It Done? 

Virtual colonoscopy is done in the same way a regular colonoscopy is done. You will be asked to lie down on the table of the MRI machine. 

To begin the procedure your healthcare facilitator inserts a camera inside your colon after colon cleansing. Don’t get alarmed, a tiny camera is inserted to check whether the polyps are present or not. Several other issues are also identified due to it. 

You have to lie with your face up on the table to perform the test easily. Ct scanners produce images of the colon. The scan time usually lasts for fifteen to twenty minutes. The doctors might ask you to hold your breath for a few seconds to analyze the colon efficiently. 

Air is pumped inside your rectum, so it becomes easier to identify the polyps. Pumping air does not pose any risk. It is known as the safest method available to diagnose colon cancer.  

After the test, the patient is asked to visit the bathroom to release the gas.  

During the process, the doctor also conducts a CT scan, X-ray, or PET scan to examine the growth of the abnormal cells inside your body. Further diagnostic medical imaging is conducted to examine your health conditions.  

Advantages of Virtual Colonoscopy 

There are several advantages of virtual colonoscopy 

• It does not take much time as compared to the traditional method of colonoscopy 
• No anesthesia is required to perform it. A person can even walk back home or perform his tasks after the test. 
• There is no need to insert the endoscopic tube in the entire colon 
• The images which are obtained are of high quality 
• This procedure allows the health care facilitator to see beyond the colon and detect any disease. Your doctor can even easily examine the kidney, liver, and many other organs. 
• Virtual colonoscopy can be performed even on a highly inflamed or irritated colon. 
• Lesser health risks are associated with this method. 

Reasons for Virtual Colonoscopy 

Colon cancer is probably one of the most common types of cancer. Therefore, it is beneficial to diagnose cancer early because it becomes difficult to treat it if the cells spread continuously.  

Thus, virtual colonoscopy makes detecting any unusual activity inside the colon easier. With virtual colonoscopy, the spread of cancer is tackled easily before it gets worse. 

People who are forty-five years old or above are at the risk of suffering from colon cancer.  It is also recommended to the people at risk of suffering from complications of colonoscopy, for example, such as excess bleeding as your blood doesn’t clot normally. 

Healthcare facilitators prefer conducting virtual colonoscopy because it is less painful and gives efficient results.   

Preparation of Virtual Colonoscopy 

It will be best to talk to your health care facilitator about the medicines you intake and your diet. If you already suffer from any disease, tell your health care facilitator about it. Remember, you do not have to hide anything from him.  

Before the treatment, the doctor will prepare you for a bowel prep to clean your colon. So, the images will be produced clear. 

Your doctor can change your diet plan before the test. For example, you might be asked to take clear liquids frequently for a clearer colon, such as broth, water, or electrolyte solutions. However, you must follow the direction of a doctor and avoid eating if your doctor asks you to. Moreover, a pill is given to you to empty the colon. So, better results are obtained. 

Your doctor might ask you to adjust your medications as well. But, again, if you do not follow the instructions, your test results will not be accurate. The doctors might ask you to go for another test once again. Thus, do not take the instructions lightly. 

Precautions 

Every cancer test comes with some sort of risk. It depends on which type of test is being conducted.  With virtual colonoscopy, you do not have to worry about intense risks. 

But, you have to be honest with your doctor to avoid the risks. 

If you are pregnant, tell your doctor before the tests. This test is dangerous for pregnant women. 

Moreover, if you have recently been operated on or suffer from any medical condition, openly tell your doctor about it. For example, even if you have diabetes, you should tell your healthcare facilitator about it. 

It is best for you to discuss everything in detail with your healthcare facilitator before the test.  

After the Test 

The procedure is not painful at all. You will be able to move freely and perform all your routine tasks. 

Do not leave the place but instead ask your doctor about the results. We have prepared for further tests as well. Moreover, make sure you clear your queries before you leave the place. 

If your doctor does not find any polyps in your colon, you do not have to worry about cancer. But, if your doctor suspects the presence of polyps, you are at the risk of suffering from colon cancer. Therefore, your doctor will ask you to go for a traditional colonoscopy as well to obtain the sample of the polyps. 

You might be asked for a CT scan in NJ.  Hence, NJ imaging is done to examine the spread of cancer. Moreover, diagnostic imaging services are offered at different places.  

Please do not hesitate to visit the place and get your CT scan imaging and x-ray imaging done. 

Risks Involved 

Before going for the test, you should keep certain risk factors in mind. 

• A very small camera is inserted in your colon, which can result in tearing the colon.  However, this risk is thought to be very less. 
• After examining polyps, you still have to go for the traditional colonoscopy, which is painful. 
• virtual colonoscopy cannot Polyps. 
• There are chances of the camera missing some polyps if they are smaller than 10 mm. 

Conclusion 

Colon cancer is among the different types of cancer which can take your life.  

You should prioritize your health. First, examine the symptoms and contact your doctor if you suspect any danger. Then, take the words of your health care facilitator seriously to ensure you live a healthy life.