Does CT colonography require bowel prep?

Does CT colonography require bowel prep?

This cleansing requires a restricted diet the day before your exam, and the taking of medication which will cause the colon to empty. This preparation is required regardless of whether you undergo a CT colonography or an optical colonoscopy.

What is the prep for a CT colonography?

Your diet will be restricted to clear liquids the day before the examination. It is very important to clean out your colon the night before your CT colonography examination so that the radiologist can clearly see any polyps that might be present. You will be asked to take either a set of pills and/or a liquid laxative.

Is a CT colonoscopy painful?

Is CT colonography painful? Because no sedation is used, the expansion of the colon with gas can be painful. In some studies, patients reported more pain and discomfort with CT colonography than with a colonoscopy. Colonoscopy may be more comfortable because sedatives are given during the examination.

What happens when you have a CT colonography?

During CT colonography, gas will be used to inflate your bowel via a thin flexible tube placed in your back passage. Then CT scans will be performed with you lying on your back and your front. After the scans, doctors will look at your images for polyps and signs of cancer.

Can I drive after a CT colonoscopy?

You may feel a little bloated or find you pass wind for a time after the test. This should usually settle fairly quickly. If you have had muscle relaxants or an injection of dye (contrast agent), you may need to wait for a short time before driving. You may want to arrange for someone to drive you home after the scan.

How long does a CT colonography take?

How long does a CT colonography take? The actual time in the CT scanner room is usually approximately 10–20 minutes. You may spend a variable time getting changed and toileting, depending on how you feel, before and after the test.

Is a CT scan better than a colonoscopy?

CT scans are the best alternative to colonoscopy to investigate bowel cancer. ‘Virtual colonoscopy’ using CT scans is more effective for investigating patients with possible bowel cancer than an X-ray test, says a new study.

Can you drive after a CT colonography?

Is a CT scan as good as a colonoscopy?

Do you need to prepare for a CT colonoscopy?

This preparation is required regardless of whether you undergo a CT colonography or an optical colonoscopy. If you have diabetes or have had a previous allergic reaction to an iodinated contrast please contact us before you begin your colon preparation at (310) 423-8000, ext 3.

How is CT colonography different from traditional colonoscopy?

The primary differences between CT colonography and traditional optical colonoscopy are that CT colonography uses a high technology X-ray scanner and advanced computer programs to create detailed images of the tissues inside the colon.

Where can I fill out a colonoscopy questionnaire?

You can print and fill out the CT Colonography Questionnaire on the Pre-Registration Questionnaire page before arriving to speed registration. The most important part of any colonography happens before you come to the S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center.

How long does it take to get results of CT colonography?

There are no restrictions placed on you after this procedure. You may drive yourself home and resume your normal schedule. Your study will be read by an imaging physician who has been specially trained in the interpretation of CT colonography scans. The results will be sent to your physician, usually within 48 hours.