Virtual Colonoscopy (VC)

What is Virtual Colonoscopy (VC)?

Virtual colonoscopy (VC) uses x rays and computers to produce images of the colon (large intestine). The study is performed in a CT scanner after a special bowel preparation. The procedure is used to diagnose colon and bowel disease, including polyps, diverticulosis, and cancer.

Patient Preparation

While preparations for VC vary, you will normally be asked to take laxatives or other oral agents at home the day before the procedure to clear stool from your colon. You may also be asked to use a suppository to cleanse your rectum of any remaining fecal matter.

Call SSR at 360-493-4646 as soon as you are aware of your appointment to review exam instructions and go through the safety screening questions.

History of previous exams

Have you had any prior studies of the area we are going to be imaging? It is important to give this information to SSR prior to your exam. Be sure to include the facility name and approximate dates/years of exams. This helps us to locate the correct studies and have them available for our Radiologists so they can compare and note any changes that have occurred. If you have a copy of your images, please bring them with you to your appointment.

Exam

  • When you arrive at SSR, a receptionist will give you all of your registration materials. To expedite check in, these materials can be printed online and filled out prior to your appointment by clicking here.
  • At the time of your exam, you will be asked to change into a gown. A technologist will lead you to the fluoroscopy exam room where you will lie on your back on the examination table.
  • The Radiologist will insert a thin tube into your rectum. Air is pumped through this tube, inflating the colon, to give the Radiologist a better view. The table will then move through the scanner to produce a series of images along the length of the colon.
  • These images are combined to create a three-dimensional picture for viewing on a video screen. During the scan, you will be asked to hold your breath to avoid distorting the images.
  • You will then be asked to complete this same process while lying on your stomach. The entire exam should take about one hour to complete.

Results

When the exam is completed, the information and images will be processed to create the final computer image of your colon. You will be asked to wait in our office while your Radiologist reviews and evaluates the results in order to identify abnormalities. If abnormalities are found and you need a conventional colonoscopy, the exam will be scheduled or performed the same day. Results will be sent to your referring physician, who will discuss these results with you.

Schedule an Appointment!

Has your physician given you an order or referral for this procedure? Call SSR’s Scheduling Specialists at 360-493-4646 to schedule an appointment. Or, click here for additional information regarding scheduling an appointment.

More Information?

For more information about this and other procedures, visit RadiologyInfo.org.