Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | VIRTUAL COLONOSCOPY?????...read on

Hiya - Dr. Donohue had a good article about Virtual Colonoscopies (I never knew it even existed!)

Dear Dr. Donohue - My doc has suggested I have a colonoscopy exam. I have read many articles about virtual colonoscopy, and it appeals to me--no scopes, no discomfort. What do you say about virtual colonoscopies?

Answer: Virtual is a word that is in danger of being overused. It indicates that an artificial substitute can replace the real McCoy. A virtual colonoscopy is one done without using a scope. A CT scanner creates [pictures of the colon that are said to rival the view a doc obtains with a colonoscope.

Virtual colonoscopy has definite advantages. As you say, there is no scope--no body invasion. A colonoscope exam, however, is not major trauma. It might be a bit uncomfortable, but it is not painful.

Virtual colonoscopy also has its advantages. If the scan detects a polyp, then the doc has to resort to a scope exam to remove the polyp for microscopic exam for cancer changes.

Virtual colonoscopy is not as reliable at picking up small polyps as is the real thing. Many people complain about the prep for a colon exam more than they do the actual exam. Bad news for the virtual colonoscopy fans. They have to endure the same colon cleansing that real colonoscopy requires.

VC is not available in all hospitals. Furthermore, you must find out if your insurance policy covers the cost.

Want to know what I would choose? I'd take the regular colonoscopy exam until the virtual exam is ready for prime time. One scope exam is good for 5-10 years.

There you have it, folks.

Sharon

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Sharon
"Anything Chocolate"...that is all!

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