Virtual colonoscopy

What is virtual colonoscopy

Virtual colonoscopy is a type of colonoscopy in 2D/3D format, which is obtained after the MSCT (multislice computed tomography) examination. This examination belongs to non-invasive diagnostic techniques.

Price

• Virtual colonoscopy 4790 uah

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Advantages

The main difference between a virtual colonoscopy and a conventional one is that it is absolutely painless. The patient who has been prescribed this procedure, in most cases, will not feel even the slightest inconvenience or discomfort. It is important that performing a virtual colonoscopy will not cause any damage to the intestinal walls.

Diagnostics

On the territory of the St. Paraskeva Medical Center there is a powerful radiology department equipped with innovative diagnostic equipment of the highest world level, one of which is a 128-slice computed tomography scanner of expert level Toshiba Aquilon CX (Japan).

Indications for examination

• The most important indication for virtual colonoscopy is the suspicion of polyps or oncopathology of the large intestine, as well as when the patient complains of frequent diarrhea, constipation, anemia, uncontrolled weight loss in a short time or the presence of blood during defecation.
• Virtual colonoscopy is recommended for patients aged 50 years and older. The procedure, if the patient has no complaints, is performed once every 5 years.
• In some cases, virtual colonoscopy is recommended to be performed from the age of 40, if one of the patient's relatives is diagnosed with intestinal cancer.

Features of preparing for the examination

Before the examination, an important step is to cleanse the intestines with osmotic laxatives. For more information about the type of drugs and instructions for their use, please contact your endoscopist.

Another important step in performing a virtual colonoscopy is to follow a diet before the examination.

The diet should be started 3-4 days before the scheduled examination.

The diet can include a choice of: low-fat cottage cheese, boiled eggs, pasta, wholemeal bread, peeled boiled potatoes, boiled rice with lean fish, skinless chicken breast.

A slag-free diet is recommended, so any foods that contain fiber, such as cabbage, legumes, buckwheat and other cereals, are excluded from the diet.

Drinks are allowed: water, tea, coffee, carbonated and non-carbonated liquids, as well as juices from mashed fruits without pulp.

Important! Red liquids, milk, and alcoholic beverages should be avoided during the diet.

Examination

The duration of the procedure is about 30 minutes.

The examination begins with filling out the patient's information questionnaire and explaining the procedure. The patient takes off his/her clothes and puts on disposable proctological underwear. The X-ray laboratory assistant prepares the system for pumping air, connects a disposable proctology probe and lubricates the "cannula" with lubricant. The patient who is ready for the procedure is placed on his left side on the examination table, after which the "cannula" of the probe is inserted into the patient's anus.

The next step is to pump air into the patient's intestines. During the pumping, the patient is recommended to make circular massage-like movements on the abdomen for better distribution of air through the intestines. The patient's condition is under constant monitoring by an X-ray laboratory assistant. When pumping is completed, the patient returns to the stomach for the first stage of scanning, which lasts a few seconds.

The patient then turns to his/her left side to remove the "cannula" from the anus and lies on his/her back for the second stage of the scan. Upon completion of MSCT, the patient dresses and waits for a CD with 3D modeling of the intestine. The radiologist evaluates the obtained images on the latest workstation and prepares a conclusion with the result of the examination.

Recommendations after a virtual colonoscopy

You can consume food no earlier than 2 hours after the procedure. You should start with liquid food and consume small portions (200-300 ml). By the end of the day, it is advisable to limit the consumption of raw fruits, vegetables, sweets and black bread.

Contraindications

• pregnancy;
• patients under 14 years of age;
• intestinal perforation;
• patients in the postoperative period who have undergone abdominal surgery, etc.