What is Virtual Colonscopy?
CT colonography (Virtual Colonoscopy) is a new, potentially powerful screening tool for colorectal cancer that may prove to have better patient acceptance.
Virtual Colonoscopy involves the use of spiroidal hi speed CT data in combination with advanced software to generate two dimensional views and threedimensional endoluminal views of the colon. The endoluminal images, which may be viewed dynamically and interactively, simulate what is seen at conventional colonoscopy.
Scanning is performed with the patient in two positions, typically supine and prone, and using a single breath hold in each position, spending about 12 seconds for data acquisition. The volumetrically acquired CT data are then transferred to a computer workstation for interpretation. Axial images are magnified, or "zoomed," and used for primary interpretation. These images are interactively correlated with coronal and sagittal multi planar navigation to recreate a virtual navigation through the colon.