Virtual colonoscopy: what is it, how is it conducted, how safe is it
How to choose the optimal method for studying the digestive system, namely its terminal sections? Severe diseases of the small and large intestine, even nowadays, are difficult to detect due to difficulties and limitations of diagnosis. Traditional research is not suitable for everyone. To help doctors and patients come new methods, such as virtual colonoscopy.
Let's see who is shown the procedure? What is its peculiarity and advantages in comparison with the usual colonoscopy? Can it be used to examine every person to whom such a study is shown, and how safe is it?
When a virtual survey of the
is carried out. The procedure is relatively new, it was only applied in 2007.But, despite this, she has already managed to prove herself well.
When doctors prescribe a virtual colonoscopy:
- if there is a suspicion of intestinal formation - polyps, swelling, diverticula, and virtual colonoscopy of the intestine is sent for monitoring and preventive examination after removal of oncological formations;
- for the detection of ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease;
- to establish the source of bleeding.
Additionally, during the procedure, you can see the formation of the kidneys, liver, aneurysm of the abdominal aorta, as the entire abdominal cavity is being examined.
Differences from traditional colonoscopy and contraindications
Diagnosis is a bit like the usual colonoscopy, but there are significant differences.
Features of the virtual method:
- is an X-ray examination, during which a small radiation load is created on the human body;
- procedure is performed much faster, with a maximum of preparation it takes only half an hour;
- it is painless;The
- method is non-invasive, that is, during its conduction the intestine is examined with photographs taken from the outside;
- Virtual study of the digestive system is less traumatic, since the intestinal loops swell slightly, this process can be controlled by the person himself;
- with the help of virtual colonoscopy can not take a biopsy of intestinal tissues;
- procedure is expensive and is conducted on a fee basis.
Contraindications
The patient can not always be sent to a virtual colonoscopy of the intestine. This practically safe method also has contraindications.
In what cases is the test not carried out:
- for children and adolescents under 14 years of age;
- for pregnant women;
- for suspected inflammatory bowel disease the procedure is not informative;
- in the presence of severe diseases of the end parts of the digestive system with numerous ulcerative lesions.
Preparation, procedure and diagnosis of
Preparation begins one to two days before the diagnosis. At this time, the doctor appoints a patient a special diet for maximum discharge. Gas-forming products are completely excluded: beans, peas, vegetables and fruits, fresh bread, sweet dishes. In the morning on the eve of the colonoscopy you can not eat. Additionally, before the diagnosis, the intestines are cleaned so that its walls are as clean as possible. For this purpose, an enema is prescribed, or a day before colonoscopy, it is recommended to take medications such as Fortrans or Dufalac.
The patient is then placed on a table and injected through the tube with air into the intestine. This process a person can control independently, so there is no pain for this study. Virtual colonoscopy is performed with CT.The person is placed in the tomograph and takes pictures in the position on the back and stomach, at this time you need to hold your breath.
The organs of the abdominal cavity are examined from all sides during the examination, X-rays are detected by a special sensor, not by a film. Then the computer summarizes the received data, converting them into a three-dimensional image. The picture is displayed on the screen, where all the structures of the intestine are clearly visible.
Another half an hour you need a doctor to describe the pictures. The peculiarity of the procedure is that the computer creates a three-dimensional image and can itself point to problematic places. The doctor examines step by step every inch of the intestine and makes a conclusion. Simplicity, convenience and painlessness - this is what distinguishes this study.
For what purpose is the contrast applied
Intestine is a hollow organ. During routine research, X-rays pass through it, and the images are bright. It is not always possible to fully inspect each section of the final section of the digestive system. Therefore, the intestinal cavity is stained with the help of special substances, so that the radiation is retained on the organ under examination.
In a colonoscopy, a barium suspension is used. It is administered before the procedure begins through the anus in the emptied bowel with the help of an enema. Thanks to such substances on the computer, you can inspect each fold and bulge of the organ being examined.
Advantages of virtual colonoscopy
Virtual colonoscopy or conventional colonoscopy - which is better? The question is ambiguous, each diagnostic procedure has its own peculiarities.
What are the advantages of the new research method:
- during the study, virtually eliminated trauma to the intestinal wall, as air is injected gradually in a small amount not with a probe;
- only 15 to 30 minutes with the preparation takes the study itself and almost the same description of the pictures;
- after a modern colonoscopy, the images remain in the database or on the disk, so after a few months or years, if necessary, you can compare with other images;
- thanks to a new method, you can inspect the intestinal tube all over;
- in rare cases, doctors diagnose serious diseases of neighboring organs located in the abdominal cavity;
- procedure is painless and well tolerated by people of any age, does not require the administration of pain medication before the test.
What is a virtual colonoscopy of the intestine? This is a modern, rapid, non-invasive, painless method for diagnosing small and large intestine diseases with the help of X-rays.
This is a safe procedure with a minimum of contraindications, which already wins today compared to other conventional methods of digestive system research.
Author: Olga Sholenkina, doctor,
specially Moizhivot.ru
