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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffVirtual colonoscopy is an exam used to detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine (colon) and rectum.
During virtual colonoscopy, an imaging technique known as computerized tomography (CT) is used to produce hundreds of cross-sectional images of the abdominal organs. The images are combined and digitally manipulated to provide a detailed view of the inside of the colon and rectum. Unlike traditional colonoscopy, virtual colonoscopy doesn't require sedation or the insertion of a scope into the colon.
Many doctors and medical organizations still consider virtual colonoscopy to be an experimental exam. Others use virtual colonoscopy when traditional colonoscopy or other screening exams can't be done.
- Schilling McCann JA, ed. Diagnostic Tests. Philadelphia, Pa.: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2007:106.
- Virtual colonoscopy. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/virtualcolonoscopy. Accessed March 18, 2009.
- Cancer imaging. National Cancer Institute. http://imaging.cancer.gov/imaginginformation/cancerimaging/page9. Accessed March 18, 2009.
- Levin B, et al. Screening and surveillance for the early detection of colorectal cancer and adenomatous polyps, 2008: A joint guideline from the American Cancer Society, the US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer, and the American College of Radiology. Gastroenterology. 2008;134:1570.
- Fletcher RH. Screening strategies in patients at average risk for colorectal cancer. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 18, 2009.
- Weinberg DS. In the clinic: Colorectal cancer screening. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2008;148:ITC2-1.
- Kruskal JB. Computed tomographic colonography. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 18, 2009.
- Yee J. Patient preparation for CT colonography. In: Lefere P, ed. Virtual Colonoscopy: A Practical Guide. New York, N.Y.: Springer; 2006:23.
- Johnson CD, et al. Accuracy of CT colonography for detection of large adenomas and cancers. New England Journal of Medicine. 2008;359:1207.
