Radiology Group | Exam Descriptions

Imaging Excellence in the Quad Cities Since 1945

Colonography (sometimes called "Virtual Colonography") uses a CT scanner and computer to exam the large bowel (colon) without having to fill the colon with liquid barium (Barium Enema) or insert a long, lighted tube (Optical Colonoscopy) throughout the length of the colon. This fast, minimally invasive procedure allows doctors to non-surgically view three-dimensional images of the colon to detect polyps and cancers. Polyps are small growths that arise from the inner lining of the colon that may become cancerous if they are not removed.

Currently, Colonography is not used in place of Optical Colonoscopy or a Barium Enema exam. Colonography may be recommended for patients who have undergone Optical Colonoscopy; had a Barium Enema exam but still require additional imaging for diagnosis; elderly, frail patients who cannot tolerate an Optical Colonoscopy; and patients with a narrowed or obstructed colon.

Pick up a LiquiPrep kit available at the imaging center's front office. Use the instructions included in the kit unless you are specifically instructed otherwise.

Two days prior to your exam:

For best results, a low fiber/low residue diet is suggested. The prep kit will provide a list of permitted foods.

One day prior to your exam:

You will be instructed to drink a liquid solution that will cleanse your bowel. Cleansing the bowel is necessary to remove solid material that would interfere with your exam. It is very important to drink all of the solution and water you are instructed to drink. This will aid in the diagnostic quality of your exam.

The day of your exam:

Wear comfortable clothing to the imaging center.
Do no eat or drink anything the day of your exam.
If you have medications to take, please use limited amounts of water. Please confirm with your physician regarding these medications.
While brushing your teeth, please rinse only. Do not swallow water.

Two hours before your appointment:

You will be instructed to insert a suppository into the rectum. Bowel evacuation usually occurs within 15 to 60 minutes. Patients requiring assistance should have a bedpan, commode or help readily available.

There are no needles or injections involved. However, the exam requires the insertion of a small, flexible rectal tube for expanding the colon with air. You may experience some discomfort with mild cramping while the colon is being expanded.

You will go through the scanner twice; one time lying on your back and the next on your stomach. You will be asked to stay very still and hold your breath while the actual images are being created by the CT scanner. When the scan is finished, the rectal tip is removed and air will be expelled or absorbed.

Scanning usually takes no more than 2 to 3 minutes. The entire procedure lasts approximately 15 minutes.

You may experience some discomfort for a few hours following your exam until the air is either expelled or absorbed. Otherwise, you are free to continue with your normal routine.

Virtual Colonoscopy

A Radiologist (a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing disease and injury using medical imaging technology) analyzes and interprets your Colonography exam within 24 hours. He/she dictates a Report of the findings and sends it to your physician. Your physician's office will inform you of your results. Due to the number of patients your physician serves, it may be 7 to 10 days before he/she is prepared to respond to your Report.

It is not possible for our office to determine individual coverage. Coverage for imaging tests is variable and depends on your insurance carrier, your plan, any exclusions, and sometimes the reasons for the examination. Prior to undergoing any imaging test, please call the number on the back of your insurance card to determine if it will be covered.

Contact us at (563) 359-3931

Virtual Colonoscopy patient brochure (PDF)
www.radiologyinfo.com

Home | Contact Us | Sitemap