Many people are surprised by how straightforward the examination is.
After changing into a hospital gown, you lie on the CT scanner table.
A small tube is placed into the rectum.
The colon is gently inflated with carbon dioxide or air.
You may be asked to roll into different positions so images can be captured from multiple angles.
The scan itself takes only a few minutes.
Most people are able to leave shortly afterward without needing someone else to drive them home.
Are There Any Risks?
Like any medical test, virtual colonoscopy has potential risks.
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Because it uses CT imaging, there is exposure to a small amount of radiation.
Serious complications are uncommon.
Very rarely, inflating the colon may cause injury to the bowel.
Your healthcare provider can explain whether the benefits outweigh the risks in your particular situation.
The Most Important Message
Many people avoid colorectal cancer screening because they fear a traditional colonoscopy.
For some of those individuals, virtual colonoscopy may provide another option that feels more acceptable.
The most important thing is not choosing the “perfect” test.
It is getting screened.
Detecting colorectal cancer early—or finding and removing polyps before they become cancer—offers the best chance of successful treatment.
