CT virtual colonoscopy

Preparing for the examination

The large intestine must be fully cleaned. Strict preparation for 2 days prior to the examination is therefore necessary.

Day 1

Diet* (morning, afternoon and evening)

Day 2

Continue diet* (morning, afternoon and evening) plus:

• In the morning: 1/3 Micropaque**
• Midday: 1/3 Micropaque**
• -/+ 4 pm: 1/3 Micropque**, Prepacol***: bottle in half a glass water
• -/+ 6 pm: Prepacol***: 4 tablets with a glass of water

Day 3

Report to the X-ray department for examination
CT colonography

Further dietary information*

Allowed

• rusks - toast - toasted white bread - old bread
• jelly (juice without fruit): apples - pears - red berries - honey
• tea - coffee - skimmed milk - still water
• clear broth
• white rice - all pasta
• apple purée - cauliflower - lean meat (chicken and turkey) - fish - boiled egg - low-fat cheese - yoghurt
• ice cream

Avoid

• Fresh and brown bread
• Jam
• Fizzy drinks
• Fruit juices
• Soup
• Potatoes
• Wholewheat pasta
• All vegetables
• Fruit - pastry

** Micropaque: dissolve the bottle of contrast agent in 350 ml water and divide into 3 portions

*** Prepacol: box from medical imaging secretary’s office, contains 1 bottle and 4 tablets

Examination process

Get into position on the scanner table. A nurse will insert a fine probe in the anus. This will introduce air into the anus to expand the large intestine. You then need to hold your breath for 10 seconds while the nurse slides you into the unit.

Then turn on your stomach and slide through the scanner again. You can go to the toilet after the examination.

The CT images are sent to a computer so the radiologist can use reconstructions and 3D images to look for potential polyps.

The examination lasts approximately 15 minutes.

Result

Your treating doctor will receive the results after a couple of days.