Virtual colonoscopy: a new promising technique

Virtual colonoscopy is less invasive than conventional colonoscopy and does not require a conscious sedation.

Virtual colonoscopy using the abdominal spiral computed tomography scanning allows a total colonic evaluation with minimal invasiveness.

We studied 48 patients with a virtual colonoscopy using oral iodinated contrast. Colonic lavage was achieved with an oral polyethylene glycols preparation. We examined patients who had refused a colonoscopic examinations, or patients with a stenotic processes, in which it was not possible to examine the proximal colon using standard methods.

Our indications for CT virtual colonoscopy were following: firstly, when colonic examination by other methods (colonoscopy, barium enema) failed or was not possible, and secondly, to exclude tumour duplicity in cases with an already verified colon tumour. 26 patients underwent a virtual colonoscopy examination based on the first indication, and 22 patients based on the second indication.

In summary, our results show that virtual colonoscopy is a promising method in detecting individuals with significant colorectal lesions. The aim of the present study was to assess the ability of virtual colonoscopy using oral contrast to detect patients with colorectal lesions who need a colonoscopy (Tab. 2, Fig. 3, Ref. 4). Full Text (Free, PDF) www.bmj.sk.