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CancerQuest > Introduction to Patient Information > Introduction to Cancer Detection and Diagnosis > Colonoscopy: Introduction > Virtual Colonoscopy

Virtual Colonoscopy

Virtual colonoscopy is another screening technique for colon cancer. Unlike the conventional colonoscopy, virtual colonoscopy uses a computed tomography (CT) scanner and computer graphics to create 3D images of the colon. A radiologist analyzes the images to detect abnormalities.

Advantages
Virtual colonoscopy is more comfortable for the patient than conventional colonoscopy because it does not require sedation and does not involve inserting a colonoscope into the rectum. It also takes less time for a virtual colonoscopy (only between 15-20 minutes) and has the ability to screen organs surrounding the colon for abnormalities.

Disadvantages
Virtual colonoscopy does have some disadvantages compared to conventional colonoscopy. The doctor cannot remove polyps or take tissue samples from suspicious areas, if a lesion is detected an conventional colonoscopy may be needed to further investigate the abnormality. Also, an virtual colonoscopy is unable to provide information about mucosal detail and color, which is useful in the characterization of lesions.

Like all detection methods, virtual colonoscopy is not 100% effective in detecting disease.⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾

References for this page:

1. Pinkhardt PJ, Kim DH. (2008) Computerized tomography colonography: a primer for gastroenterologists. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. May;6(5):497-502. [PUBMED]
2. Kim DH, Pickhardt PJ, Hanson ME, Hinshaw JL. (2010) CT colonography: performance and program outcome measures in an older screening population. Radiology. Feb;254(2):493-500. [PUBMED]