Virtual colonoscopy (CT colonoscopy) is an advanced and highly accurate screening method used to detect colon cancer.  Safer, quicker and less invasive than conventional colonoscopy, this technique uses a 60-second scan CT scan of the abdomen, along with 3-D reconstructed images, to view the inside of the colon.

Our team of radiologists analyzes these images to identify the presence of polyps in the colon. Polyps are small growths that may become cancerous if they are not removed.

Virtual or Conventional?

According to a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, “[v]irtual colonoscopy detected more than 90% of all significant polyps, performing slightly better than conventional colonoscopy.” 

3D Reconstructed images taken from a Virtual Colonoscopy	The same polyp as left viewed during an Optical Colonoscopy

3D Reconstructed images taken from a Virtual Colonoscopy	The same polyp as left viewed during an Optical Colonoscopy

Please note that virtual colonoscopy is strictly a screening procedure. Because of its non-invasive nature, it is not possible to take tissue samples or remove polyps during the procedure. If evidence of polyps is found, you will be referred for a conventional colonoscopy; polyps smaller than 5 millimeters in diameter are not considered to be significant and may not necessarily be removed.

Virtual colonoscopy is currently only available in Montreal. For more information, please call us at (877) 220-0220.

This procedure may be fully or partially covered by your extended health insurance policy. Please check directly with your health insurance provider.

Research

“In this study of asymptomatic adults, CT colonographic screening identified 90% of subjects with adenomas or cancers measuring 10 mm or more in diameter. These findings augment published data on the role of CT colonography in screening patients with an average risk of colorectal cancer.”

New England Journal of Medicine – September 2008

"Primary (Virtual Colonoscopy) and (Optical Colonoscopy) screening strategies resulted in similar detection rates for advanced neoplasia, although the numbers of polypectomies and complications were considerably smaller in the (Virtual Colonoscopy) group."

New England Journal of Medicine - October 4, 2007

“Our preliminary data suggest that for patients with clinical suspicion of colorectal cancer, CT colonoscopy is valuable in staging the tumor and in detecting additional polyps or cancers in areas not evaluated by conventional colonoscopy . . . . CT colonography was able to detect all 21 colorectal cancers, including one synchronous cancer that was missed on an incomplete colonoscopy.”

AJR - January 2005