One of the most dreaded medical procedures is the Colonoscopy, so it makes sense that many people are looking for newer technology that isn’t as invasive as the standard procedure. There are many people who avoid this very important procedure all together because they fear the embarrasment and discomfort associated with it. There is some good news, however. A fairly new procedure called Virtual Colonoscopy is starting to become more and more popular with medical professionals.
Virtual Colonoscopy does without the typical probes of the standard procedure and instead uses an EBT scan of your colon. Basically, 100s of pictures are taken and then computer software rebuilds these images to create a 3D representation of your colon. The same preparation is still required of patients that choose this procedure. This test is very easy on you and you can go about your day as soon as you are finished.
You should be aware, however, that there is some debate amongst medical professionals as to the effectiveness of this procedure. Many radiologists argue that a standard colonoscopy is still the most accurate in diagnosing and discovering problems.
If you have had a history of colorectal cancer, chrohn’s disease, etc., then this procedure is not recommended. It would be in your best interest to contact your doctor and discuss your options. With colon cancer being the 2nd leading cause of cancer death in the United States, this is a potentially very serious procedure.
*This article is not meant to be used as medical advice. You should always consult with your physician for the newest information regarding these procedures.