Colonoscopy

Duration of examination

The examination will take approximately 15 minutes.

Please bring with you:

• Your request form
• Medicare and any
• Healthcare cards

Payment on the day of the examination is requested.

What is a CT colonoscopy?

CT or virtual colonoscopy demonstrates the large bowel (colon). Air is gently pumped into the bowel to temporarily distend it and eliminate any folds or wrinkles that might obscure pathology. Multi-slice CT is then used to perform hundreds of sub-millimetre scans.

In most cases of failed or incomplete optical colonoscopy, virtual colonoscopy is the imaging procedure of choice. In low-to-average risk patients who cannot undergo traditional optical colonoscopy, virtual colonoscopy is the best alternative.

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common form of cancer worldwide, affecting men and women almost equally. Colon cancer is highly preventable and treatable if pre-cancerous polyps are removed in time. CT colonoscopy is an effective screening tool for colorectal pathologies such as polyps, diverticulosis and tumours. It provides the opportunity to prevent disease and detect cancer before it occurs.

What preparation is required?

It is necessary to obtain a preparation kit from one of our branches or from your doctor. This will give you instructions about a special diet you must follow closely for two days prior to your examination. The preparation should cause you to make several visits to the toilet. It is important that your bowel is cleansed as completely as possible. Residual faecal material remaining in the bowel can give misleading results.

Please inform our reception when booking if you are diabetic so the appropriate preparation and appointment can be arranged.

If performed on the same day as the failed colonoscopy, then you will not require a further bowel preparation.

What will happen during the examination?

You will be asked to change into a gown and lie on a CT table. A small lubricated catheter will be gently inserted a short way into your rectum in order to fill your bowel with air. Many patients report a sensation of ​“fullness” or ​“mild discomfort”. Please resist the urge to release your bowel as this will reduce the distension of your bowel. You may be given an injection to reduce muscle spasm allowing better distension of your bowel.

Most patients consider a CT colonoscopy to be more comfortable than a barium enema and the same or more comfortable than traditional colonoscopy. Some patients experience transient cramping. If at any time you experience pain please tell the radiologist (specialist medical imaging doctor).

Once the colon is filled with air, scans will be obtained, initially while lying on your back and then while resting on your stomach. You will be asked to hold your breath for about 15 seconds during imaging. Once the imaging is complete the catheter will be removed.

Are there any risks?

You will receive a small dose of x‑ray radiation. The benefits of detecting disease are believed to outweigh any potential risks from receiving such a small dose. However, please advise the radiographer if you are, or think you may be pregnant.

After the examination

The images will be reviewed and reported by our radiologist. These will then be sent to your referring clinician. For details on reporting timeframes, please speak with our reception staff. It is important that you follow up the results of your examination with your referring clinician.

It is important you understand why and how we will be assisting you. If you have any questions, please call one of our clinics or speak to our staff on the day of your visit.