March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month.
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Take our Online Quiz Schedule your screening today with Dr. Eric A. Mansell. Click here for our online appointment form or call 336-433-5000. There's no IV, no sedation, no recovery time and it costs less than traditional exams. |
A. Virtual colonoscopy at Greensboro Imaging is a non-invasive, outpatient procedure that takes
standard CT images of the abdomen while special software converts those images into a three
dimensional moving picture of the inside of the colon. A specially trained radiologist uses these
images to look for polyps or abnormalities.
Q. Is virtual colonoscopy as reliable as a standard colonoscopy?
A. Virtual colonoscopy has been shown to be an effective examination in detecting clinically significant
colon polyps and cancers. Greensboro Imaging uses a system called Viatronix, the same system
used in the largest screening trial in the U.S., which had the highest polyp detection rate of any
virtual colonoscopy trial published to date.
Q. How is virtual colonoscopy done?
A. The procedure begins by placing a small flexible rubber tube in the rectum, so that air can be
introduced to expand the colon. While most patients are comfortable during the procedure, some
can expect to feel a gas-like fullness or discomfort. This feeling will last only 10 minutes or less
and resolves completely at the end of the exam. Patients lie comfortably on their back and then
rotate onto their stomach while the images are being taken. The procedure from start to finish
takes about 30 minutes.
Q. Will I need someone to drive me to and from the procedure?
A. No. Because sedation is not required, patients are free to leave without the need for observation
or recovery.
Q. What is recovery like?
A. The best part is that there is no recovery. Patients can resume normal activities such as eating,
walking or driving immediately after the procedure.
Q. Is a bowel prep necessary for virtual colonoscopy?
A. Yes, a cleansing bowel prep is necessary. Any solid material remaining in the colon would make it
impossible to identify small polyps.
Q. Does insurance or Medicare cover virtual colonoscopy?
A. Coverage varies. You should check with your insurance company or with Medicare for the most
current information.
Q: How can I get more information about virtual colonoscopy?
A: Simply call Greensboro Imaging at 433-5000 or ask your physician.