Virtual Colonoscopy

Early studies show that Virtual Colonoscopy is comparable to Traditional Colonoscopy. An article in the New England Journal of Medicine (1996) reported both tests equally detected growths 6mm or larger. At this size, a cancerous growth is considered highly treatable. When Virtual Colonoscopy detects a significant polyp, Traditional Colonoscopy is generally required for polyp removal or biopsy. Virtual Colonoscopy is an accurate technique for ruling out cancer and abdominal growths, according to Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, where the technique is used extensively. When a virtual study is negative, a traditional colonoscopy is usually negative. An added benefit of Virtual Colonoscopy is its ability to discover unsuspected disease in other abdominal and pelvic organs such as the liver, kidneys and pancreas.

Virtual Colonoscopy may become a screening tool for Colorectal Cancer. The best screening exam is one that people will do. The perception is that Conventional Colonoscopy is a fearful undertaking and patients may welcome an alternative.

Advantages of Virtual Colonoscopy

1. It is perceived as a less invasive procedure and may be better accepted.
2. It is less expensive.
3. Along with the mucosa, the entire bowel wall can be visualized.
4. During a Virtual Colonoscopy, the remaining organs of the abdomen and pelvis are visualized and evaluated.
5. It can be performed when there is:
   • Incomplete Colonoscopy
   • A patient on anticoagulants
   • A patient with an arrhythmia
   • A patient that is frail or ill

Disadvantages of Virtual Colonoscopy

1. Virtual Colonoscopy cannot assess the color and texture of the mucosa of the colon.
2. If a significant lesion is found a Conventional Colonoscopy may be necessary for removal or biopsy.
3. It is relatively new and does not have the track record of Conventional Colonoscopy.