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Virtual Colonoscopy (VC)

What is Virtual Colonoscopy?

Virtual Colonoscopy (VC), also referred to as CT colonography, is a safe exam used for colon polyp screening. The entire colon lining can be seen with VC. A computed tomography (CT) scan creates a picture of the inside of your colon. VC allows the doctor to see your colon and to take a limited look outside the colon for problems in the abdomen and pelvis. The main purpose of this exam is to screen for growths (polyps) in the lining of the large intestine (colon and rectum). Adults ages 50 years and over should have screening for colon polyps.

If a large polyp or growth is found in your colon, a standard colonoscopy may be needed to remove the polyp. “Large” polyps are those 1 cm (about ⅜ inch) or greater and should be removed because they have a higher chance of turning into cancer. A growth of this size is present in less than 5% of all patients. A nurse will arrange for the standard colonoscopy, if needed. If this occurs, you will need to have someone drive you home. If it can be scheduled on the same day or next day, a second bowel prep will not be needed.

Healthcare providers can now watch a small colon polyp over time. Smaller polyps, 6 mm to 9 mm (about ⅓-¼ inch), can be safely watched by having a follow up VC exam in 1-2 years. But small polyps can also be removed by standard colonoscopy, the same day or later, if desired.

Getting Ready for your VC Exam

To prepare for this exam, you must clean your colon. Follow the guidelines in your bowel prep kit that includes laxatives and the special clear liquid diet. If you feel you cannot complete the bowel prep, tell the VC nurse before your exam.

If you get diverticulitis before your VC exam, contact your doctor first, and then contact the VC office to reschedule your exam for at least six weeks after your treatment is complete to allow your colon to heal.

If you are taking Coumadin^® (warfarin), Plavix^® (clopidogrel) or other prescription blood thinners, do not stop taking them unless your doctor tells you to stop them. If a polyp is found that should be removed, we will need to consult with your doctor and set up the standard colonoscopy at a later date.

If you are not taking Coumadin^® (warfarin), Plavix^® (clopidogrel) or other prescription blood thinners and you would like to have the option of a same-day standard colonoscopy if a polyp is found, you must stop the medications listed below 5 days prior to your exam. These medications include:

? aspirin

? anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, Advil^®, Motrin^®, naproxen, Aleve^®)

? anti-arthritic medicines

? iron, or multivitamins with iron

You may take Tylenol^® (acetaminophen) for pain if needed.

Taking these medicines does not affect your VC exam, so if you would not be able to have a standard colonoscopy the same day because you would not have a driver, or you have other plans, you may continue taking them. If you are taking Coumadin^® (warfarin), Plavix^® (clopidogrel), or other prescription blood thinners, you may also keep taking the medications listed above because if a polyp is found, the standard colonoscopy would be arranged for a later date. If you have any questions or concerns about stopping a medicine please contact your doctor.

Take all other prescribed medicines with sips of water before your VC (if you have diabetes, see the box on page 1). Do not eat or drink after midnight on the night before the exam.

When to arrive for your VC Exam

We will contact you by phone to remind you of the date for your VC exam. You do not need to have a family member or friend drive you to the VC exam, as you will not be given any medicine that will make you sleepy. If you need a standard colonoscopy the same day, then you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home.

During the VC Exam

The VC exam most often takes 15 minutes or less to complete. You will not need pain or sedation medicine or an IV for this exam. You will be asked to change into a hospital gown for the exam. You will be taken to a CT exam room where you will lie on the CT exam table. A small tube will be gently placed a very short distance into your rectum (this feeling is like having a digital rectal exam). Carbon dioxide will be placed slowly into your colon. The exam should not be painful, though you may have some abdominal fullness, discomfort, or cramping during the exam. You may feel the urge to have a bowel movement. These feelings should go away as soon as the exam is over. Pictures are taken of your abdomen and pelvis while you are lying on your back and then on your stomach. Each time you move, you will be asked to hold your breath for about 10 seconds while the CT scanner takes pictures.

After the VC Exam

A VC team member will call you with the results in about two hours. Many patients return to work or other activities after the exam is over.

· If you wish to have the polyp removed on the same day as your VC, please do not eat or drink until you hear from us. If you need to have a standard colonoscopy, the VC team can arrange this second exam for the same day or a future date.

· If taking Coumadin^® (warfarin), Plavix^® (clopidogrel), or other prescription blood thinners, you may resume your normal diet after the exam. If a polyp is found that should be removed, your standard colonoscopy will be set up at a later date.

Contacts

Medical Imaging Department at Mile Bluff Medical Center: 608-847-6161 x4323

If you need to reschedule for any reason please call 608-847-6161 x4824
If you have an urgent concern after normal business hours, contact your primary care doctor’s on-call service.
If you are in need of immediate medical help, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Room.

Getting Ready for Your Virtual Colonoscopy (VC - Standard)

Getting Ready for Your Virtual Colonoscopy (VC - Renal/Cardiac)

Getting Ready for Your Virtual Colonoscopy (VC PEG Prep with Oral Contrast)