CT Colonography - Overview & Technique

CT scanning—sometimes called CAT scanning—is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. CT scanning combines special x-ray equipment with sophisticated computers to produce multiple images or pictures of the inside of the body. These cross-sectional images of the area being studied can then be examined on a computer monitor, printed or transferred to a CD. CT scans of internal organs, bones, soft tissue and blood vessels provide greater clarity and reveal more details than regular x-ray exams. CT colonography uses CT scanning to obtain an interior view of the colon (the large intestine) that is otherwise only seen with a more invasive procedure where an endoscope is inserted into the rectum.

CT Colonography - Alternative Names and Explanations

CT - Colonography (screening) 0066T, CT -  Colonography (diagnostic) 0067T

Colonography CT - Benefits

CT colonography has a markedly lower risk of perforating the colon than conventional colonoscopy. Most of those examined do not have polyps, and can be spared having to undergo a full colonoscopy.
• CT colonography is an excellent alternative for patients who have clinical factors that increase the risk of complications from colonoscopy, such as treatment with a blood thinner or a severe breathing problem.
• Elderly patients, especially those who are frail or ill, will tolerate CT colonography better than conventional colonoscopy.
• CT colonography can be helpful when colonoscopy cannot be completed because the bowel is narrowed or obstructed for any reason, such as by a large tumor.
• If conventional colonoscopy cannot reach the full length of the colon—which occurs up to 10 percent of the time—CT colonography can be performed on the same day because the colon has already been cleansed.
• CT colonography provides clearer and more detailed images than does a conventional barium enema x-ray examination.
• CT colonography is tolerated well. Sedation and pain-relievers are not needed, so there is no recovery period
• CT colonography is less costly than colonoscopy.
• No radiation remains in a patient's body after a CT examination.
• X-rays used in CT scans usually have no side effects.

CT Colonography - Positive Findings

• The major reason for performing CT colonography is to screen for polyps or cancers in the large intestine. Polyps are growths that arise from the inner lining of the intestine. Some polyps may grow and turn into cancers.
• The goal of screening with colonography is to find these growths in their early stages, so that they can be removed before cancer has had a chance to develop.

CT Colonography - Images

CT Colonography - References, Links, and Additional Information

Schedule Your CT Colonography Today! 

• If you are looking for professional radiology services at your imaging site/center, call us at 1-800-626-8315 or contact us for a consultation. 

• If you live in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Glendale, Mid-Wilshire and need to schedule a radiology examination such as a MRI, CT Scan, Ultrasound, X ray, or PET scan, contact us to schedule an appointment. 

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