CT/Virtual Colonoscopy

Virtual (CT) Colonoscopy is a new imaging examination of the large intestine to study its lumen without the use of an endoscope. The term "virtual colonoscopy" refers to "virtual reality" because in essence we create a three-dimensional image and navigate it in any direction we want.

Internationally, standard colonoscopy is recommended as a routine procedure for specific age groups, such as men over 50 years for the prevention of colorectal cancer. However, due to the fact that the test is not very pleasant, in some countries abroad discussion is underway on recommending virtual colonoscopy as a routine test and patients should then undergo endoscopy in the event of pathological findings. In this way, colorectal cancer, a very common type of cancer, could be effectively prevented and timely treated.

Virtual colonoscopy within the helix of the large intestine with identified polyp (marked in red)

Virtual colonoscopy is performed after 24-hour preparation of the patient using a special laxative substance, as in the conventional method. Air is introduced through a small nozzle which is placed under local anaesthesia in the rectum, followed by a scan of the abdomen with the patient in supine and prone position. The procedure has the advantage that it avoids the quite uncomfortable penetration of the endoscope deep into the large intestine, as well as the fact that it can examine areas which the endoscope cannot reach due to anatomical problems, poor cooperation of the patient or obstacles in the lumen of the intestine. The disadvantage is that biopsy samples cannot be obtained in case of pathological findings; however virtual colonoscopy can be performed parallel to a standard CT scan that shows in detail the intestinal wall and other abdominal organs, especially if intravenous contrast material is used at the same time. This procedure very often reveals other extra-intestinal findings related or not to the large intestine.