Virtual colonoscopy

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Because of an unsuccessful colonoscopy, I am down for a Virtual Colonoscopy with CT scan.

Not sure in what way this differs from the usual Colonoscopy.  What I do know is that my system has once more got to be cleared out !

Will I need sedation ?   Does it take long ?

Any experiences on this would be most welcome.

Have a lovely Bank Holiday

Angela

  • Sorry I can't help. Perhaps ring the helpline?

  • https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/tests-and-scans/ct-colonography
    Hi  

    We are seeing some people able to access virtual colonoscopies . However they may not be around just now .

    This is the info from cancer research which covers most questions  linked in at the top of the page .

    Most importantly all the very best and hope it brings good news .

    Court 

    Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

  • I’ve just had a virtual colonoscopy ( CT Colonography) after having an endoscopic colonoscopy and it’s 1O times easier than that was! I was given a laxative to take again beforehand but it had no laxative effect on me but it did show the difference between faeces and bodily tissue in the scan. It doesn’t take long at all, they insert a very short tube into rectum and to gently inflate the bowel which was so much easier than the colonoscopy and you won’t need sedation in this scan. If you search for CT Colonography on the NHS website it’ll give some good info on there. 

  • Thank you for that information.  It certainly sounds a far less painful experience. When I had a partial colonoscopy with sedation that didn't work, the lady doing it pressed down hard on my abdomen and I cried out in pain.   "Take deep breaths" was the answer to that.   I feel we have gone back a way in these things and years ago one the sedation was in the arm, you were gone completely and didn't come to until in recovery.   I hope your CT scan showed nothing untoward.

  • Hi Angela, 

    I had a virtual colonoscopy this morning! I found the gas they pump inside you uncomfortable but other than that it is all over very quickly. I had a colonoscopy before and the prep is the same in terms of laxatives and restricted diet. The positive of a virtual colonoscopy is that it can also see around the bowel too to see if there are any other issues. Whilst the scan was being performed I remember thinking that I was very anxious for a scan which really wasn’t as bad as I expected. 

    I hope it all goes well!