Virtual colonography

What is a virtual colonoscopy?

The term virtual colonoscopy refers to a radiological examination that uses X-rays to generate numerous photographic slices of the colon, which are subsequently processed by a computer to provide comprehensive two- or three-dimensional images of the inner bowel. As it enables visualization of the surface of the colon wall, virtual colonoscopy is primarily a tool for cancer screening.

Who is eligible for a CT colonoscopy?

CT colonoscopy is purely diagnostic and can be considered for most patients who require an examination of the surface of their large intestine. The typical indications for this procedure are screenings for polyps and colorectal cancer or any suspected existing tumor. Nevertheless, virtual colonoscopy is not suitable for patients with chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (such as Morbus Crohn).

Is a virtual colonoscopy sufficient to replace a colonoscopy?

For certain cases, in particular for colorectal cancer screening, virtual colonoscopy may be sufficient. But as mentioned above, it is a purely diagnostic precedure and does not allow biopsies to be obtained or suspicious tissues to be removed. Consequently, if virtual colonoscopy reveals polyps, for instance, they must be removed and analyzed by means of an additional classic colonoscopy.

There are more limitations to virtual colonoscopy. For one, very tiny polyps or other proliferations may not always be detected, and secondly, the X-rays are not able to visualize inflammatory changes in the intestinal wall (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis).

Procedure and duration

The big advantage of virtual colonoscopies is the comfort for the patient. It takes only 10-20 minutes to complete the examination, making it much quicker than conventional colonoscopy, while also the time required for preparation and aftercare is reduced. Besides, it is less invasive, as no mechanical endoscopic needs to be inserted. Two days prior to the examination, patients are required to take laxatives which prepare the intestinal wall for the examination. Patients must also follow a special nutrition plan that prohibits certain foods, like bread or raw vegetables and fruits, and one day before the procedure, they have to avoid solid food, with the exception of a small breakfast. On examination day, patients have to arrive in a fasting state. Before the examination can be started, patients are given an intravenous drug which relaxes the bowels. This ensures a more accurate assessment of the intestinal surface. The choice of whether or not to administer a contrast agent is based on the specific indication and the attending physician. Subsequently, the intestines are inflated with carbon dioxide (CO2) in order to expand them and provide a more accurate radiographic result. Next, the patient will be transferred to a special CT machine to begin with the virtual colonoscopy.

Costs and coverage of a virtual colonoscopy

Since virtual colonoscopy is a relatively new procedure, not all health insurance companies cover the costs of around 300-500 Euros by default. Even though most private insurers will pay or it, patients who are covered by public insurance should get in touch with their provider beforehand to arrange the assumption of costs early on.

What clinics and doctors specialize in virtual colonoscopies?

If you're in need of a doctor, you expect the best medical care possible. So of course patients are curious to find out what clinic to go to. As there is no objective way to answer this question and a legitimate doctor would never claim to be the best, patients must rely on a doctor's experience.

Let us help you find an expert for your condition. All listed doctors and clinics have been reviewed by us for their outstanding specialization in the field of virtual colonoscopy and are looking forward to your inquiry or wish for treatment.