There are several advantages and disadvantages for both virtual colonoscopy and optical colonoscopy. Please refer to the summary chart below: of patients have failed/incomplete colonoscopy due to redundancy of the colon or large number of diverticuli Virtual colonoscopy has been proven to be as effective and in some cases more effective than optical colonoscopy in detecting significant polyps. Virtual colonoscopy uses state-of-the-art software to visualize typically 95% to 98% of the colon.

Virtual colonoscopy is an abdominal CT scan where "pictures" of the abdomen are taken and then the images are reconstructed into a 3D replica of the colon. The images are then read by a trained radiologist to look for pre-cancerous polyps or abnormalities inside and outside your colon.

Virtual colonoscopy is a FDA approved, non-invasive procedure, which screens for colorectal cancer. Virtual colonoscopy uses a state-of-the-art simulation program to reconstruct abdominal computed tomography (CT) images into a three-dimensional (3D) replica model of the colon. A radiologist, with advanced training, uses the 3D simulated images to navigate your colon in order to identify tumors and pre-cancerous polyps.

A recent clinical trial conducted at Walter Reed Army Medical Center-Washington, D.C., National Navy Medical Center-Bethesda, MD and Navy Medical Center-San Diego, CA concluded that virtual colonoscopy is slightly more accurate than conventional colonoscopy in detecting significant colonic polyps. This study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2003.

Virtual Colonoscopy (CT Colonoscopy) is the evaluation of the colon utilizing CT. After cleansing the colon the exam is preformed by distending the colon with air and scanning the abdomen and pelvis. The images are “reconstructed” in multiple planes and interpreted by the radiologist. This technique is effective for detecting cancer and polyps greater than 1cm in size. This procedure is faster and less expressive than conventional colonoscopy and does not require sedation.

You must be enrolled in Tricare or Tricare Prime to be eligible for virtual colonoscopy at Brooke Army Medical Center. Any Health Care Provider within the Tricare system can order a virtual colonoscopy. In other words, you do not necessarily need a referral to see a gastroenterologist (GI doctor) first. You can just see your regular Health Care Provider to have him or her put in the orders required for the virtual colonoscopy exam.

There are several advantages of an implanted device. Since it is implanted in the body, there are few, if any, external parts to wear and daily maintenance is minimized. In addition, the system is more directly targeted to the effected area. The disadvantage of implanted devices is they do involve a surgery which can lead to a system that is more expensive.

External devices, by the nature of being outside the body, can not be as targeted as an implanted device. There are also external components to wear and the daily maintenance of those components. Since they are outside the body, they can be less expensive than the implanted device. Another advantage of an external device is the ease to discontinue the use of the system.

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Virtual Colonoscopy is not painful per se, but it is a little uncomfortable when the air is pumped into the colon. The abdominal camps or gas pains only last a few seconds. After the procedure, one may pass a lot of gas.

Recent data indicate that Virtual Colonoscopy is as sensitive as conventional colonoscopy for detection of polyps greater than 10 mm.

The good thing about Virtual Colonoscopy is that the CT scan may also identify any other disorders that may be present in the liver, kidney, and adrenals and the blood vessels. The images may not be optimal but may provide a clue to the presence of other lesions. Virtual colonoscopy may also identify other causes of internal bleeding, causes of diarrhea and can even be used to monitor the course of inflammatory bowel disease.

Because Virtual Colonoscopy does not utilize a scope, the polyps when visualized cannot be biopsied or removed. Any time a polyp is visualized, the individual is referred for a conventional colonoscopy for biopsy and removal. However, since most polyps less than 10 mm are rarely cancerous, not all polyps have to be referred for conventional colonoscopy. This avoids any unnecessary removal of polyps and risks associated with conventional colonoscopy.

Unlike conventional colonoscopy, Virtual Colonoscopy is very safe. Since no actual colonoscope is inserted, there is no risk of perforation, bleeding or complications related to anesthesia.

American Cancer Society recommends colon cancer screening for both men and women over the age of 50. For those individuals with a positive family history of colon cancer (family members such as father, mother, brother, or sister), the American Cancer Society recommends colon cancer screening starting at the age of 40.