The Dissimilarities between Colonoscopy and Virtual Colonoscopy

Colorectal cancer screening must begin at the age of 50 for women and men at moderate risk. A colonoscopy is the procedure of choice for many patients. There is, however, a third option: virtual colonoscopy. Let's compare and contrast the two.

Every ten years, a colonoscopy is advised.

A doctor will employ a supple tube to put a small camera inside your colon via the rectum during a colonoscopy. As the tube is extracted, they will examine for polyps or other issues.

Polyps are tiny growths on the inside of your colon. They can get larger and evolve into cancer if left untreated.

Pros

• Polyp removal – During a colonoscopy, a doctor can eliminate polyps. The greatest approach to avoid colorectal cancer is to remove polyps.

• Minor discomfort – Your doctor may prescribe medication to help you relax and be comfortable during the examination.

Cons

• Complications – Although uncommon, insertion of the scope might result in hemorrhage and colon rupture.

Every five years, a virtual colonoscopy is recommended.

The doctor follows a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis for creating a 3-D picture during a virtual colonoscopy. Polyps and further defects in your rectum and colon are visible in these photos.

Pros

• Less invasive – a tube will be inserted into your rectum and colon by your doctor. However, it will be shorter than a colonoscopy tube.

• Fewer complications – You won't have to be concerned about bleeding or colon tearing.

• More thorough – Your doctor will be able to examine the exterior of the colon. This allows for the detection of various abnormalities in the pelvic area.

Cons

• Follow-up colonoscopy – If your doctor finds a polyp or something else strange at some point in your virtual colonoscopy, you'll require a regular colonoscopy to eliminate the polyp or take a biopsy. This will be a diagnostic test and your insurance will treat it as such.

• Radiation exposure – A tiny dosage of radiation is emitted during virtual colonoscopy. A chest X-ray exposes you to more radiation than a conventional CT scan, but a regular CT scan exposes you to significantly less.

There is no such thing as an ideal test.

If you're considering a virtual colonoscopy to forgo the colon-cleansing procedure, reconsider. Both tests necessitate a healthy colon. That implies you can only drink clear liquids before the test day and take a lot of laxative solution.

There is no screening test that is 100% accurate. During your exam, a doctor might not be able to locate all of the polyps. This is particularly true for polyps that are difficult to detect, such as tiny or flat polyps.

However, studies suggest that both tests are effective in detecting and preventing colorectal cancer. Screening exam costs and coverage vary. Before you schedule an exam, check with your insurance company to see if the procedure is covered.

See us at Digestive Disease Specialists for this test and other gastrointestinal problems.

**Disclaimer: This blog content does not offer a doctor's advice and creates no relationship between any patient and care provider.