Virtual colonoscopy
Virtual colonoscopy (also known as CT colonography or CTC) is a medical imaging procedure that uses x-rays and computers to produce two- and three-dimensional images of the colon (large intestine) from the lowest part, the rectum, all the way to the lower end of the small intestine and display them on a screen.
The procedure is used to diagnose colon and bowel disease, including polyps, diverticulosis and cancer. CT colonography is less invasive than traditional colonoscopy and has a lower risk of complications. However, if polyps or other abnormal growths are found during CT colonography, a traditional colonoscopy usually will be performed to remove them.
Procedure[edit | edit source]
The patient lies on a narrow table that slides into the center of a CT scanner. In some cases, a contrast material may be used to help visualize certain structures. Once inside the scanner, the machine's x-ray beam rotates around the patient. (Modern "spiral" scanners can perform the exam without stopping.)
A computer creates separate images of the body area, called slices. These images can be stored, viewed on a monitor, or printed on film. Three-dimensional models of the colon can be created by stacking the slices together.
Benefits and Risks[edit | edit source]
The benefits of CT colonography include: it is less invasive than traditional colonoscopy; it has a lower risk of complications; it can visualize the entire colon; it can detect polyps and cancer at an early stage.
The risks of CT colonography include: it can miss small polyps; it can produce false-positive results; it uses low doses of radiation, which have the potential to increase the risk of cancer; some people can have an allergic reaction to the contrast material.
See also[edit | edit source]
Virtual colonoscopy Resources | ||
---|---|---|
|
|
Translate to: East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD