Virtual
Colonoscopy (VC) has been shown to be as effective as the conventional
procedure at detecting colorectal cancer. The VC procedure utilizes
non-invasive CAT scan imaging technology to generate high quality
computer images that are assessed by specially trained radiologists.
The non-invasive nature of Virtual Colonoscopy should encourage
patients to more readily undergo this critical diagnostic procedure.
In a blow to overanxious men of all heights, widths and personality
types, researchers conclude that Virtual Colonoscopy (VC) is as
effective as the more conventional procedure. The study was directed by
Dr. Perry Pickhardt, of the University of Wisconsin Medical School in
Madison, and evaluated over 1,100 adults.
Colonoscopies are utilized to evaluate patients for colorectal cancer.
The American Cancer Society's most recent estimates, for 2006, predict
148,610 new cases of colorectal cancer resulting in 55,170 deaths.
While the death rate has been in decline for the past fifteen years,
the sad truth is the majority of the deaths from colorectal cancer are
preventable. That is, if appropriate diagnostic tests are performed.
A little background information is in order. Standard colonoscopies
allow doctors to examine the large intestine utilizing a colonoscope.
This device is a thin, flexible tube that utilizes a fiber optic camera
to inspect the colon. This procedure allows for the detection, removal
and cauterization of polyps and, though somewhat uncomfortable, is
relatively quick and extremely effective. The resistance to the
procedure has little to do with its medical efficacy and everything to
do with the discomfort and embarrassment.
Preparation for a standard colonoscopy typically involves a lighter
diet for a day or two prior to the procedure. No problem there. The rub
comes with the next step. The day before the procedure the patient
takes an industrial strength laxative and, fearing for their safety,
warns his family to stay clear of all potential paths to the bathroom
door. After a night spent in the bathroom, it's off to the clinic,
where the patient disrobes and offers up their posterior portions for
the benefit of medical science. Why would there be any resistance to
such a simple procedure?
The Virtual Colonoscopy may resolve the reticence felt by those who
would most benefit by this screening. Men over the age of fifty are at
greatest risk and, often, are the least inclined to pick up the phone
and schedule this procedure. But, as this procedure becomes more
commonplace, that may change. The VC, though still requiring some
preparation, is a much more tolerable procedure than its predecessor.
A Virtual Colonoscopy is performed utilizing a standard imaging
technique known as a CAT scan, computed tomography. CAT scans are
typically used to visualize internal organs and structures, such as the
brain, liver or spine, to assess the presence of tumors or the extent
of injuries following a trauma. This same technology is now being
utilized to visualize the colon.
The preparation for the VC is similar to that with the standard
procedure, requiring a laxative prior to testing. The procedure itself,
however, is much more akin to an x-ray. The patient lies on their back
on an exam table, a small tube is inserted in the rectum and air is
pumped into the colon. Once the colon is inflated, allowing for better
visualization, the exam table moves through the large scanning device
and the images are captured. A second pass, with the patient lying on
their stomach, is also required. The process takes about ten to twenty
minutes and, since no sedation is required, the patient is free to
resume normal activities immediately after.
The CAT scan technology allows radiologists to assess
computer-generated images of the patient's colon. The images are very
much like those seen during the standard procedure and, should the
Virtual Colonoscopy detect an abnormality, a standard colonoscopy may
be performed the same day.
While still not a trip to the ice cream shop, the Virtual Colonoscopy
reduces the complications of this critical assessment to a manageable
level. Anxious men will be forced to look elsewhere for the application
of their tried and true excuses. On the upside, their good health
secured, they'll have many more years to fine-tune their finagling for
all things involving sports, couches and potatoes.
