Sussex Premier Health, Hastings: Important update for patients with upcoming appointments
Check for growths in the colon using X-rays and computer imagery
A virtual colonoscopy (also called a computerised tomography colonography) allows doctors to look at your colon (large bowel) to detect polyps and signs of cancer.
A computerised tomography (CT) scanner uses X-rays to produce two-dimensional and three-dimensional images of the whole of the colon and rectum.
A referral letter from a consultant or GP is required before booking any diagnostic investigation.
Your large bowel is the lower part of your intestines. It absorbs water and nutrients from digested food that passes through it.
A polyp is extra tissue that grows on the inside of the bowel wall. While these are usually harmless, they can sometimes turn into cancer. To be safe, polyps are removed and tested for cancer.
Virtual colonoscopies are routinely done as an out-patient procedure.
We understand that having any type of test can be an anxious time for some of our patients. Our dedicated and caring clinical staff will be there to reassure you.
Your scan will be performed by an experienced radiographer. The procedure usually takes up to 20 minutes.
During the procedure, we may give you an injection of a muscle relaxant to help relax the muscles of your bowel wall. You may also have an injection of contrast at the same time.
The scanner is a large machine with a hole in the centre (like a ring). Only the part of your body inside the ring can be scanned. You will be asked to lie on a table that can slide in or out of the ring.
A thin tube will be placed into your rectum. Carbon dioxide or air will be passed into your colon to make the bowel wall easier to see. When this happens, you may briefly feel pains similar to trapped wind and the urge to go to the toilet but, as the colon is empty, this won’t be possible.
The table will be positioned so that the middle part of your body is lying in the centre of the scanner. The X-ray unit will rotate around you to help produce images from all directions. The scanner is operated from behind a window. Your radiologist will be able to see, hear, and speak to you throughout the procedure.
You will usually have scans taken in two positions – one with you lying on your back and a second scan with you lying on your stomach. It can take several minutes for each image to form and it’s important to lie very still during the process. At certain points during the scan you may be asked to hold your breath for a couple of seconds.
A virtual colonoscopy is routinely done as an out-patient procedure, so you won’t need to stay in hospital after the test.
Your radiologist will examine the images and send a report to the doctor who requested your test. The report can take a few days to reach your doctor. Before you go home, please ask your radiologist when you can expect to get your results.
On rare occasions, complications can occur with a virtual colonoscopy.
Please call us straight away if you experience any of these symptoms, as they may be a sign the colon has been damaged or perforated during the procedure:
In rare cases, it’s possible to have an allergic reaction to the contrast injection. If you experience any itching or difficulty in breathing tell your radiologist immediately. Medicines are available to treat any allergic reaction.
We will talk to you about the possible risks and complications of having this procedure and how they apply to you.
Speak to a member of our team
01424 757400 info@sussexpremierhealth.com