How is a painless colonoscopy different from a virtual colonoscopy?
Is there a difference between these two medical procedures? Do doctors recommend one over the other? I have heard about both but I am confused if it is actually a procedure.
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You understand and agree that use of the Website does not in any way create or establish a physician-patient privilege or physician-patient relationship between you and any Medical Professional Member. You should recognize that the information provided on the Website (including past questions and answers and articles posted on the site) is provided for your general information. These materials should not be relied on as medical advice and reading and reviewing them is not a substitute for direct consultation with a medical professional about a specific medical problem.
Without limiting the foregoing, you understand and agree that submitting a Free Question or receiving an answer to a Free Question does not in any way create or establish an physician-patient relationship between you and any Medical Professional Member, or between you and us. The information and answers provided in response to Free Questions is intended to be generic medical information, not medical advice, and is based upon the very limited information provided by you in a Free Question. Specific medical advice can only be given with full knowledge of all of the facts and circumstances of your situation. If you are currently being treated by a doctor, that doctor is the best person to give you advice about a medical case or medical matter. Under no circumstances should the information obtained on this site be used to make decisions about the quality of service provided by a doctor or about the proper course of a medical matter.
A colonoscopy is a procedure in which a gastroenterologist inserts a tube in the colon to inspect directly. Medications are given to make the procedure painless. A virtual colonoscopy is a CT scan of the colon which has more discomfort because no medications are given.
A colonoscopy is the process of taking a long flexible camera and running it up the colon to evaluate for polyps. It requires a bowel prep to clean the colon, and is usually performed under sedation for comfort purposes. If a polyp or abnormality is seen, it can be sampled or removed at the same time. A virtual colonoscopy is an imaging procedure, CT scan, performed to look at the colon. It still requires a bowel prep, and air insufflation in the colon, which can cause discomfort. If a polyp or lesion is noted on the virtual colonoscopy, then a full colonoscopy is still needed.