Language
Country/Area
No result found
What you didn't know about virtual colonoscopy: How does this test reveal hidden lesions outside the intestines?
With the advancement of technology, virtual colonoscopy (VC), as an innovative examination method, has attracted more and more attention from the medical community. This diagnostic method using CT scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology allows doctors to clearly see three-dimensional images of the colon, thereby achieving the purpose of early screening for colon cancer and polyps. In addition, virtual colonoscopy can also reveal hidden lesions outside the intestinal tract, expanding the scope of examination applications.
Virtual colonoscopy can provide three-dimensional reconstructed images of the interior of the intestine, helping doctors better understand the patient's intestinal health.
Inspection procedures
Preparation for a virtual colonoscopy usually involves taking laxatives or other oral medications the night before the exam to clear stool from the intestines. Patients also need to use suppositories to clear out residual stool from the rectum, and sometimes a solution called a "stool marker" is applied to adhere to the remaining material, thereby reducing the risk of false positives.
During the exam, the patient lies on an exam table and a thin tube is inserted to pump air into the colon to inflate it for a clearer view. The patient then undergoes a series of CT scans, a procedure that takes about 10 minutes and does not require anesthesia. Once the examination is complete, the images are converted into three-dimensional images for evaluation by radiologists.
Advantages of virtual colonoscopy
One of the major advantages of virtual colonoscopy is increased patient comfort because a traditional colonoscope is not required and therefore no anesthesia is required and the patient can return to normal activities immediately after the examination. In addition, this method can also provide clearer images than traditional barium enema, effectively reducing associated risks. Studies have shown that virtual colonoscopy will detect one unexpected cancer case every 200 screenings. This advantage cannot be ignored.
For many patients, the clearer images and ease of the procedure provided by virtual colonoscopy are the main reasons they choose this method of examination.
Disadvantages of virtual colonoscopy
However, virtual colonoscopy has its limitations. Since tissue biopsies or polyps cannot be performed on site, a traditional colonoscopy is indeed required after an abnormality is discovered. In addition, virtual colonoscopy may not identify smaller polyps between 2 and 10 millimeters in diameter. Furthermore, using CT for virtual colonoscopy will also expose patients to a certain degree of radiation exposure.
Other alternatives
For some patients, MRI colonography (MRC) is a suitable alternative, allowing radiation-free visualization and the ability to detect larger adenomas and neoplasms, although it is slightly less sensitive. Lower than traditional colonoscopy.
Conclusion
Virtual colonoscopy not only provides a new way of examination, but also brings new opportunities for the management of intestinal health. As technology develops, this test is expected to become an important tool in screening for digestive system diseases. How do you think the development of virtual colonoscopy will impact the future of medical examinations?
