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Your search term(s) "virtual colonoscopy" returned 6 results.

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Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Screening in the Geriatric Population: Factors in Risk Assessment And Outcome Benefits. Practical Gastroenterology. 32(2): 17-36. February 2008.

This article explores factors in risk assessment and outcome benefits associated with colorectal cancer screening (CRC) in the geriatric population. CRC screening is the search for polyps and cancer in individuals who have not been previously diagnosed with colonic neoplasms; surveillance refers to follow-up of patients who have already received a diagnosis of colonic neoplasms. The authors review the literature, report on the current status of CRC screening, and then analyze certain controversies in discontinuing screening colonoscopy after a certain age. Topics include the epidemiology of CRC in the United States, particularly in relation to age groups, racial factors, and ethnic groups; the prevalence of CRC in different groups; current recommendations for CRC screening, including risk stratification, recommendations for the average risk population and for those deemed at higher risk; the role of diagnostic tests, including fecal occult blood testing (FOBT), sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and double contrast barium enema (DCBE); future alternatives to traditional colonoscopy, including virtual colonoscopy, stool DNA tests for colon cancer, and wireless capsule endoscopy; the effect of aging on the incidence of CRC; colonoscopy complications in older patients compared with those in younger patients; and cost factors. The authors note that many debates on screening colonoscopy in older adults are prompted by a desire to free up endoscopic resources to screen younger individuals with a longer life expectancy. The demand for screening colonoscopy continues to strain the U.S. health care system, despite overall low participation rates. The authors conclude that CRC screening should be individualized based on quality of life of the patient, comorbid situations, and a rough estimate of the individual’s life expectancy. 1 figure. 2 tables. 88 references.

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Virtual Colonoscopy. Bethesda, MD: National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. 2008. 6 p.

This fact sheet describes virtual colonoscopy, a procedure used to look for signs of precancerous growths, called polyps; cancer; and other diseases of the large intestine. In virtual colonoscopy, images of the large intestine are taken using computerized tomography (CT) or, less often, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A computer puts the images together to create an animated, three-dimensional view of the inside of the large intestine. The fact sheet answers common questions about virtual colonoscopy, including the anatomy and function of the colon and rectum, the roles of CT and MRI, how to prepare for a virtual colonoscopy procedure, what to expect during the procedure, and the differences between virtual colonoscopy and conventional colonoscopy, including the advantages and disadvantages of virtual colonoscopy. Readers are reminded that all solids must be emptied from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract by following a clear liquid diet for 1 to 3 days before virtual colonoscopy. Virtual colonoscopy does not require insertion of a colonoscope or sedation. However, during virtual colonoscopy, a tube is inserted into the rectum to expand the large intestine with gas or liquid. Virtual colonoscopy does not allow the doctor to remove tissue samples or polyps. The fact sheet includes a brief description of current research in this area. Readers are referred to online publications and two resource organizations: the American College of Gastroenterology at 301–263–9000 or www.acg.gi.org and the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders at 1–888–964–2001 or www.iffgd.org. The document concludes with a summary of the activities of the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC), a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). 1 figure.

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Colonoscopy. IN: Wexner, S.; Stollman, N., eds. Diseases of the Colon. . New York, NY: Informa Healthcare USA. 2007. pp 137-162.

This chapter about colonoscopy is from a comprehensive text that offers chapters about each of the major colonic disorders. Each chapter is coauthored by at least one surgeon and one gastroenterologist to reflect the in-depth collaboration between these fields that is required for managing diseases of the colon. In this chapter, the authors describe the diagnostics, imaging, and therapeutic techniques for colonic evaluation and intervention. They note that the development of a means to accurately and safely visualize the entire colon endoscopically has revolutionized the diagnosis and management of colonic diseases and the clinical practice of gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons. The authors discuss colon embryology and endoscopic anatomy, the role of sigmoidoscopy, professional training and competence in colonoscopy, patient preparation, bowel preparation, antibiotic prophylaxis, anticoagulant and antiplatelet medication use, the equipment used for colonoscopy, the role of the colonoscopy assistant, sedation and analgesia during colonoscopy, infection control and colonoscope disinfection, contraindications and limitations of colonoscopy, and the use of air-contrast barium enema and virtual colonoscopy. The chapter includes black-and-white photographs and illustrations and concludes with an extensive list of references. 7 figures. 2 tables. 154 references.

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Colonoscopies 101: Everything You've Always Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask. Digestive Health and Nutrition. 8(1): 18-20. March- April 2006.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women in the United States. A colonoscopy is used to find and remove fleshy growths in the colon (polyps) before they become cancerous. This article answers common questions about colonoscopy, including the procedure itself, why it may be used, and alternatives. The author notes that, in order for the gastroenterologist to complete the test, the patient’s colon must be entirely empty of stool. Emptying the bowel requires fasting, laxatives, and increased drinking the day before the test. A colonoscopy is typically an outpatient procedure performed under sedation. Patients must arrange transportation after the procedure. The author walks patients through each step of the procedure. A final section describes some alternative screening methods, including virtual colonoscopy, digital rectal exam (DRE), stool blood test, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and barium enema with contrast. One sidebar outlines six steps to colorectal cancer prevention; another summarizes the guidelines for colon cancer screening using colonoscopy. 3 references.

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Small and Large Intestines. IN: Digestive Disorders 2005. Palm Coast, FL: Medletter Associated. pp 24-29. 2005.

This lengthy section on the small and large intestines is from a White Paper on digestive disorders, including conditions that affect the esophagus, stomach, gallbladder, bile ducts, small intestine, and large intestine. This chapter covers normal anatomy of the small and large intestines; the examination of the colon and rectum, including barium enema, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, virtual colonoscopy, and capsule endoscopy; and the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of constipation, diverticulosis and diverticulitis, diarrhea, celiac disease (gluten intolerance), Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, anal fissure, and colorectal cancer. Numerous sidebars cover some topics in greater detail: research on the clinical utility of virtual colonoscopy, specific foods and a suggested menu for people on a clear liquid diet, strategies for living with lactose intolerance, understanding changes in color of the feces (stool), the interrelationship between appendectomy and the risk of ulcerative colitis, the grains that are safe for people on a gluten-free diet (for celiac disease), a drug used in Crohn's disease that may reverse or delay the formation of fistulas, travel tips for people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the risks associated with eating red meat and drinking alcohol for people with colitis, the impact of depression on IBD flare-ups, quality of life issues in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), coping with pruritus ani (anal itching), the risks of colorectal cancer associated with a high-glycemic diet (one that includes a lot of simple and complex sugars), how high doses of aspirin may fight colon polyps, a new anticancer drug (Avastin, bevacizumab) used for metastatic colorectal cancer, laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer, and how colon cancer is staged. One illustration outlines the parts of the lower digestive system and the diseases or conditions that can affect each part. One chart summarizes the drugs used for IBD.

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Straight Talk on Colorectal Cancer. Digestive Health and Nutrition. 7(2): 16-18. March-April 2005.

This article discusses colorectal cancer, emphasizing the importance of early detection for best treatment results. The author cautions that because colorectal cancer does not often have symptoms in its earlier stages, screening and removal of polyps (growths on the inner wall of the large intestine) are vital. Removing a polyp eliminates the chance of it changing to a cancerous growth. The author considers some of the reasons why there are low screening rates, including people being unaware of the need for or the benefits of screening, and clinicians not recommending screening. The author also discusses the colonoscopy procedure, preparation for colonoscopy, fecal occult blood testing, recommendations for how often to have these screening tests, new testing methods that are under development (including virtual colonoscopy), risk factors for colorectal cancer, lifestyle factors that may play a role in the development of colorectal cancer, and the role of genetics in colorectal cancer. One sidebar summarizes colorectal cancer screening guidelines; another sidebar lists the different methods currently available to screen for colorectal cancer. 1 figure. 6 references.

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