CT-SCAN – Virtual Colonoscopy, also known as CT colonoscopy, highlights the irregularities in an individual’s colon and rectum located in the large intestine of an individual. This procedure aids in getting an insight view of the large intestine by taking pictures. Once the examination is completed, all the images of the individual’s large intestine are collected by a computer and formed 2D and 3D inner sight.
Why is virtual colonoscopy conducted?
This procedure is used to detect the following severe medical illnesses;
- Colon Cancer: Colon cancer develops in the large intestine, mainly affecting old age groups, but can occur at any age.
- Diverticulosis: This is the most severe kind of diverticular illness that causes full pain indications and serious problems if not dealt with properly.
- Interior bleeding: This kind of bleeding occurs when there is an injury in the insight of the body. In some severe conditions, it can be life-threatening.
- Colonic polyps: These are the changes shown on the surface of the colon. A colon is a large intestine where the body makes and stores.
- Tumor: It is a group of irregular cells present inside the colon. In the start, the tumor may not have a cancerous cell, but it can worsen once the situation gets older and includes cancerous cells.
Examination Precautions
The virtual CT colonoscopy examines each bit of the colon. Before the examination, proper bowel cleansing must be conducted to aid the radiologist in accurately diagnosing the illness. A radiologist will conduct the test and analyze all the readings. Almost one week before the examination, an individual who will be going through the examination is advised to restrict an intake of nuts or hard seeds, like sesame seeds, peanuts, cashews, sunflower, popcorn, and poppy.
Similarly, an individual is advised to limit the use of high-fiber goods such as oatmeal, bran, raw fruits, whole grains, and vegetables. It is highly recommended to take only a fluid diet until the examination is conducted.
Moreover, it is essential to inform the physician about any medication (currently used) at least one week before the examination to make any amendments before the test.
Process of Examination
- The process almost takes ONLY ten to fifteen minutes. For the CT virtual colonoscopy, the patient would be advised to have an intake of the contrast dye or a pill before the test.
- Then a skinny pipe will be positioned into the rectum of an individual.
- For the process of a CT scan virtual colonoscopy, a carbonated pump is slightly pumped into the tube for the inflation of the individual’s rectum. However, for the MRI test, a contrast dye is being utilized to have an extensive view of the intestine.
- Then the individual would be asked to lie on the table of the CT scan machine and to hold their breath for a few seconds. Holding a breath would aid in getting a clearer image of the intestines.
- Once the test is completed, an individual would be allowed to discharge the gas in the washroom.
Risk Factors of CT-SCAN – Virtual Colonoscopy
The possible risk factors associated with CT virtual colonoscopy are as follows:
- Perforation into the intestine or the rectum: During the process, the carbon dioxide tube is injected into the rectum, which includes a slight danger of perforation in the rectum and the colon. However, this hazard has been improved with advanced technology.
- Radiation exposure: A CT virtual colonoscopy contains tinny quantities of radiation which aids in viewing the colon deeply. However, the amount of radiation is much smaller than that of a traditional CT scan.
Result of the CT-SCAN – Virtual Colonoscopy
After performing the test, the radiologist will possibly review an individual’s findings and share it with the physician. If the physician is not satisfied with the results of the CT virtual colonoscopy, such as the presence of polyps, then the test would be marked as negative, and the consultant may advise a retake of the examination or may ask for another test to be conducted depending on the readings of the colonoscopy.
- If no irregularity is present in the virtual colonoscopy test, it would be marked as negative.
- In the case of polyps or the irregularity of tissues in the colon, the doctor would analyze the number and the size of the polyps. Then the physician would advise another colonoscopy to get a sample of the polyps and irregular tissues for their removal.,pr
Diet needs to follow after a colonoscopy
After the completion of the examination, an individual must take;
- Lighter foods that are easy to digest.
- A sufficient quantity of water would help in dehydration.
- Consume a gentle and low residue diet such as dairy and low-fiber foods.
References:
- https://www.healthline.com/health/what-to-eat-after-colonoscopy#colon-health-tips
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/17619-virtual-ct-colonoscopy
- https://www.webmd.com/colorectal-cancer/virtual-colonoscopy
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/virtual-colonoscopy/about/pac-20385156
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/colon-cancer/virtual-colonoscopy-for-cancer-screening#:~:text=Virtual%20colonoscopy%20is%20a%20special,sometimes%20turn%20into%20colon%20cancer
