Less invasive and more comfortable for patients.

Most people don't look forward to the invasiveness of a traditional colonoscopy, and often put the procedure off to avoid the discomfort. Yet, colorectal cancer screenings are an important part of colon cancer prevention and early detection.

The Imaging Center at the Sharp Memorial Outpatient Pavilion offers virtual colonoscopy, which is minimally invasive, safe and more comfortable for patients than a traditional colonoscopy.

How does it work?

1. During the procedure, only a small tube is inserted into the rectum and the colon is inflated, which eliminates the need for placing and moving a scope through your colon, as occurs with a traditional colonoscopy
2. Patients will follow an easy physician-recommended preparation plan prior to the colonoscopy
3. Using a computed tomography (CT) scan, 3-D pictures are taken of your abdomen and pelvis while you lie on your back and then on your stomach; in each position you must hold your breath for 15 seconds while the CT scan photographs your abdomen and pelvis

The entire procedure usually takes less than a half hour and requires no sedation. Because there is no anesthesia, you do not need a friend or relative to drive you to the exam. Traditional colonoscopy can take up to an hour and patients must be sedated.

Beyond examining your colon, virtual colonoscopy allows the physician to look outside the colon for other abnormalities in the abdomen and pelvis.