Virtual colonoscopy is a test that allows you to view the intestine, without having to insert a tube probe into the colon, and is useful for identifying intestinal polyps smaller than 0.5 mm, diverticula or cancer, for example.
Virtual colonoscopy is performed with Computed Tomography (CT) equipment with low radiation dose and images are obtained which are analyzed by computer programs that generate images of the intestine in various perspectives, taking the procedure, on average, 15 minutes.
During the examination, a small tube is inserted in the initial part of the intestine, just in the anus, to inflate gas inside the intestine that helps to dilate the intestine, making all its portions more visible.
In case, if there is a change in the images obtained by virtual colonoscopy, the patient can perform a small surgery on the same day to remove polyps, for example.
How to prepare for virtual colonoscopy
Virtual colonoscopy involves cleaning the intestine before taking the exam, so that you can see its interior well. Thus, on the day before the exam, it is necessary to:
- Eat a specific diet, avoiding fatty and seeded foods. Find out what you can't eat at: How to prepare for colonoscopy. Take laxative and contrast indicated by the doctor the afternoon before the exam; Walk several times a day to increase bowel movements and help to cleanse; Drink at least 2 L of water to help clean the intestine.
This test can be done by most patients, however, it cannot be performed by pregnant women due to radiation.
Benefits of virtual colonoscopy
Virtual colonoscopy is used in individuals who cannot take anesthesia and who cannot handle the common colonoscopy because it implies the introduction of the tube in the anus, which causes some discomfort, some other advantages are:
- It is a very safe technique, with less risk of perforation of the intestine; Does not cause pain, because the probe does not travel through the intestine; Abdominal discomfort disappears after 30 minutes because small amounts of gas are introduced into the intestine; Can be done on patients who cannot take anesthesia and who have irritable bowel syndrome; after the exam, normal daily activity can be performed, because anesthesia is not used.
In normal colonoscopy, a probe is inserted into the anus to be able to see the entire interior of the intestine, however, although uncommon, there is a risk of perforation of the intestine wall by the probe.
In addition, it also allows diagnosing changes in the organs that involve the intestine, such as liver, pancreas, gallbladder, spleen, bladder, prostate and even uterus, as the exam is done with computed tomography devices. Read more about the exam at: Computed tomography.
