The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

CT Virtual Colonoscopy

CT colonography offers noninvasive imaging for colon cancer screening and evaluation.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Radyoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is CT Virtual Colonoscopy?

CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) is a method in which polyps and masses are evaluated by high-resolution multidetector CT after the colon is distended with carbon dioxide or air.

Bowel preparation is similar to that for optical colonoscopy; radiation dose can be reduced with low-dose protocols and fecal tagging. Polyps 6 mm and larger can be detected.

It is selected for incomplete colonoscopy, patients with high sedation risk, and screening. Confirmation by optical colonoscopy is required for positive findings.

Symptoms

Patients who cannot tolerate optical colonoscopy
After incomplete colonoscopy
Alternative for colon cancer screening
Strictures impassable due to obstruction
Patients requiring concurrent abdominal evaluation
Older and comorbid patients

Risk Factors

Pregnancy
Suspected active colon perforation
Severe inflammatory bowel disease flare
Non-adherence to preparation
Iodine contrast allergy (with additional CT)
Acute abdominal pathology

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Planned by gastroenterology or surgical referral
  • Optical colonoscopy is required when polyps are found
  • Appropriate screening intervals are determined by guidelines
  • Strict adherence to preparation instructions is important

Treatment Methods

01
Complete colon preparation with diet and laxatives
02
Distention of the colon with carbon dioxide
03
Low-dose CT acquisitions (supine and prone)
04
Polyp screening with 2D and 3D reconstructions
05
Reporting of extracolonic findings
06
Referral to optical colonoscopy in positive cases

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Radyoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Radyoloji Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

What Is MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)?

Radyoloji

MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves and is the gold standard for imaging the brain, spine, joints, and internal organs.

What Is CT (Computed Tomography)?

Radyoloji

Computed tomography provides rapid, detailed cross-sectional images in emergency, trauma, and oncology cases.

What Is Ultrasound (Ultrasonography)?

Radyoloji

Ultrasonography is radiation-free and is widely used in pregnancy follow-up and the evaluation of abdominal organs and superficial tissues.

What Is an X-ray (Plain Radiograph)?

Radyoloji

X-ray is the oldest and most widely used radiologic test, providing rapid diagnosis in bone and lung pathologies.

Mammography

Radyoloji

Mammography is specialized low-dose X-ray imaging of breast tissue that detects cancer, often before clinical palpation, and is the primary tool for breast cancer screening in women 40 and older per ACR/ESR guidelines.

Doppler Ultrasound

Radyoloji

Doppler USG is critical for evaluating deep vein thrombosis, carotid stenosis, and organ blood flow.

Angiography

Radyoloji

Angiography examines all vascular systems in the body in detail, especially the cardiac and cerebral vessels.

PET-CT (Positron Emission Tomography)

Radyoloji

PET-CT combines metabolic activity with anatomical imaging in cancer staging and treatment-response evaluation.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.