This is a screening examination recommended for all men and woman over the age of 50 to detect colon cancer. Virtual colonoscopy is a much less invasive procedure than traditional colonoscopy and requires neither sedation nor admission to hospital. The bowel preparation for the procedure is also less unpleasant than for conventional optical colonoscopy.

After the scan the computer generates an image of the colon allowing the radiologist to do a virtual tour through the colon. It is highly accurate in detecting significant polyps 5mm and over in size.

Bowel preparation is necessary. You will be given a diet to follow for a few days prior to the examination.

You will be required to lie on our CT scanning table for approximately 15 minutes.

It will be necessary to inflate the large colon with carbon dioxide to enhance visualization. A very narrow pipe will be placed in your rectum to do this. Carbon dioxide colonic insufflation is more comfortable to the patient during and after the procedure.

During the procedure, you will be required to hold your breath 2 or 3 times for about 10 seconds each.

You might feel slightly bloated for a very short while after the examination, but you will be able to continue with your daily routine.