 | Virtual Colonoscopy What is Virtual Colonoscopy?
Who should have a Virtual Colonoscopy?
What do I need to know about colon cancer?
Why should I have my Virtual Colonscopy at WRA?
What preparation is required for my Virtual Colonoscopy?
What can I expect before, during and after my Virtual Colonoscopy?
How accurate are the results and what are the risks of this procedure?
How does Virtual Colonoscopy compare with conventional colonoscopy?
Will insurance cover my Virtual Colonoscopy?
Where does WRA perform Virtual Colonoscopy?
What is Virtual Colonoscopy?
Virtual Colonoscopy is a safe non-invasive procedure to identify growths (polyps) in the colon. Polyps have been shown to be the precursor of many cancers in the colon and rectum (colorectal cancer), and the goal of Virtual Colonoscopy is to find these potentially dangerous polyps before they can cause a serious problem.
Virtual Colonoscopy at Washington Radiology Associates utilizes state-of-the-art helical CT scanning to rapidly scan the colon with x-rays and create 2- and 3-dimensional images of the colon. Virtual Colonoscopy is an alternative to conventional colonoscopy, which requires the introduction of a long tube into the rectum which is then advanced through the entire colon and allows the examining physician to directly view the lining of the colon.
Who should have a Virtual Colonoscopy?
According to guidelines endorsed by the American Cancer Society and other national groups, screening for colorectal cancer utilizing a technique which examines the entire colon is recommended for individuals beginning at age 50. For individuals at high risk for colon cancer (a personal or family history of colon cancer, personal history of ovarian, endometrial or breast cancer, or a history of chronic ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease), screening is recommended beginning at age 40. The available options for evaluation of the entire colon are Virtual Colonoscopy, conventional colonoscopy, and barium enema.
What do I need to know about colon cancer?
Cancer of the colon and rectum (colorectal cancer) is the second leading cause of death from cancer in the United States, with approximately 134,900 new cases diagnosed and 57,000 deaths annually. The lifetime risk for an individual in the US is approximately 6%. It has been clearly demonstrated that most colorectal cancers begin as small, non-invasive adenomas (polyps) along the surface of the colon. These can take between five and 15 years to become malignant. The goal of both Virtual Colonoscopy and conventional colonoscopy is to find these polyps while they are small and harmless and remove them before they can develop into colorectal cancer.
Why should I have my Virtual Colonscopy at WRA?
Using advanced helical CT scanning,Washington Radiology can obtain very thin “slices” of the abdomen to create extremely detailed pictures of the colon. We also utilize a premium software application to create the images necessary to view the colon in 3-D detail. The physicians atWashington Radiology have conducted a study of this technique on a series of patients who first underwent Virtual Colonoscopy at WRA and then immediately underwent conventional colonoscopy the same day by highly-experienced gastroenterologists. By first performing this study, the physicians at WRA have been able to optimize their technique to provide the most accurate Virtual Colonoscopy examinations available.
What can I expect before, during and after my Virtual Colonoscopy?
In order to obtain the best images, a bowel preparation is required. Currently the preparation is similar to that required for conventional colonoscopy. You will be given an instruction sheet at the time you schedule your appointment, or click here for preparation instructions. In addition, it is necessary to distend the colon for the best images. After you enter the examination room and are placed on the CT examination table, the nurse or technologist will insert a small plastic tip into the rectum and slowly, using an electronic control, inflate the colon with carbon dioxide (which will be rapidly reabsorbed by your colon). Two scans are performed, one while lying on your back, the other while lying on your stomach. The actual time of each of the two scans is 20 seconds. There is a three-minute pause between the two scans to allow the computer to process the many images acquired. After the second scan your examination is complete. Total examination time, from the moment you enter the scan room until completion, is approximately 10 minutes.
How accurate are the results and what are the risks of this procedure?
Virtual Colonoscopy has been shown to be very sensitive in the detection of polyps. However, Virtual Colonoscopy is not 100% accurate, and some polyps will not be visualized and may be overlooked. This is also true of conventional colonoscopy. The ability of Virtual Colonoscopy and conventional colonoscopy to detect polyps that have reached a size where they could be cancerous or pre-cancerous are similar. With CT Virtual Colonoscopy, there is no sedation required and there are no after-effects. Since this procedure involves the use of x-rays, there is radiation exposure.
How does Virtual Colonoscopy compare with conventional colonoscopy?
Virtual Colonoscopy was developed to provide a safe, non-invasive method to easily and painlessly screen individuals for colon cancer. Conventional colonoscopy requires sedation, usually the loss of a day of work, and has a small but significant complication rate which includes possible perforation of the colon. Conventional colonoscopy is an established, effective method of colon cancer screening, and only conventional colonoscopy allows for the removal of polyps at the time of the examination. Polyps found by Virtual Colonoscopy must then be removed by conventional Colonoscopy (approximately 10% of patients will have polyps that require removal). The ability to detect polyps that have reached a size at which they become potentially worrisome is similar for both procedures. You should consult with your personal physician to determine which method of screening is most appropriate for you.
Will insurance cover my Virtual Colonoscopy?
DIAGNOSTIC Virtual Colonoscopy is covered by Medicare in all cases where known risk factors are present and traditional colonoscopy has failed or there are other medical issues which prevent the patient from obtaining a conventional colonoscopy.
SCREENING Virtual Colonoscopy (where no risk factors are present) is typically not a covered study for Medicare and most insurance plans. To confirm your coverage, please contact your insurance company prior to scheduling your study.
Where does WRA perform Virtual Colonoscopy?
Virtual colonoscopy is performed at our 2141 K Street, NW, Chevy Chase/Friendship Heights and Sterling offices.
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