CT Virtual Colonoscopy
What to know
This is an examination of the colon (large intestine) and rectum. This exam is conducted to check for bowel cancer, investigate intestinal signs and symptoms to explore possible causes of abdominal pain or other intestinal problems.
Does any of the following apply to you? If so please contact us as soon as possible.
- You suspect or know that you may be pregnant
- You have ever experienced a severe reaction to a previous injection of contrast media
- You suffer from asthma or have kidney disease
- You are a diabetic
- If you suffer from abnormal heart rhythm, have had a recent heart attack or have bad angina
- If there is any possibility that you may be pregnant
- If you have had a recent colonoscopy and biopsy
- If you have had a Polypectomy in the past 2 weeks
Do you require an interpreter?
Is the patient non-english speaking? If so, we can arrange for an interpreter to be present during the appointment. Please let us know as soon as possible so we can make the relevant arrangements.
Before the CT colonoscopy your bowel needs to be prepared so that it is free of faecal material for this examination which means you need to have a special low residue diet and laxatives prior to the scan.
Please call into our clinic to make an appointment and collect your preparation.
Two days before examination
You must stop eating all fruits including fruit yoghurts, nuts and any food containing fruits.
One day before examination
No solid foods, no milk or milk products allowed. Drink only *approved clear liquids for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Water
• Bonox
• Lucozade
• Fruit cordials
• Clear bouillion
• Clear fruit juices (apple)
• Black tea or coffee (no milk)
• Barley sugar
• Clear broth.
At 2:00 pm
Mix sachet of ColonLYTELY with one (1) litre of water. Over the next hour or so, drink a glassful of this solution every 10 to 15 minutes. If you feel nauseous or bloated, slow down and drink a glassful every 20 minutes, until the litre has been completed. You will have loose motions within 1 to 3 hours. Please remain within easy reach of toilet facilities. Some intestinal cramping is normal.
At 6:00 pm
Add the entire contents of one (1) sachet of Picolax into a glass of chilled water (approx. 120mls). Stir until effervescence ceases. Drink the mixture gradually and completely. This can be followed by as many glasses of water or *approved clear fluids as desired in order to satisfy thirst.
At 7:00 pm
Add the entire contents of one (1) sachet of Picolax into a glass of chilled water (approx. 120mls). Stir until effervescence ceases. Drink the mixture gradually and completely. This can be followed by as many glasses of water or *approved clear fluids as desired in order to satisfy thirst. Drink only *approved liquids for dinner.
Day of examination
From midnight, sips of clear fluid can be taken to quench thirst.
2 hours before the examination drink 30mls of Gastrografin.
- A small tube will be inserted into your rectum and through this a gas will be introduced into the colon to distend it. The distension may cause some discomfort, but it is important that you try to ‘hold-on’ to the gas. The scan only takes a few minutes after which you will be able to release the gas.
- You will be monitored by PRC team members, and should you need help, they are trained to give you all the assistance you require
- You may be given an injection to assist with the above process
- Most examinations are completed within thirty (30) minutes, although attendance at the clinic may last a little longer
- Specialist radiologists will review and report your CT scan and provide results to your referring doctor
- Inform the reception team of your follow-up appointment with the referring doctor.
