Is a virtual colonoscopy as good as a regular colonoscopy?

Is a virtual colonoscopy as good as a regular colonoscopy?

Colon polyps that are found by virtual colonoscopy can be removed with regular colonoscopy before they turn into cancer. Virtual colonoscopy has some benefits over regular colonoscopy: It is less uncomfortable and invasive. It usually does not need to include any pain medicine or anesthesia.

What are the disadvantages of virtual colonoscopy?

There are a few disadvantages of a virtual colonoscopy:

• A virtual colonoscopy isn’t as sensitive as a conventional colonoscopy for finding smaller polyps.
• Your doctor can’t remove a tissue sample or polyp using a virtual colonoscopy.
• Some health insurance plans may not cover a virtual colonoscopy.

Is CT colonography as good as colonoscopy?

‘Virtual colonoscopy’ using CT scans is more effective for investigating patients with possible bowel cancer than an X-ray test, says a new study. The researchers say that this less invasive CT colonography (CTC) should now be considered alongside the ‘gold standard’ of colonoscopy.

What is the difference between a regular colonoscopy and a virtual colonoscopy?

Unlike traditional colonoscopy, which requires a scope to be inserted into your rectum and advanced through your colon, virtual colonoscopy uses a CT scan to produce hundreds of cross-sectional images of your abdominal organs.

What can a colonoscopy show that a CT scan Cannot?

There is little question that the CT scans of the colon are good. They can find polyps that occasionally are missed by colonoscopy because the polyps lie behind folds within the colon. One criticism of the CT scans is that they cannot find small polyps (less than 5 mm in size) that are easily seen at colonoscopy.

Does insurance pay for virtual colonoscopy?

Virtual colonoscopy is not covered by all health insurance plans. Check with your insurance plan before having the test. If a polyp is found, regular colonoscopy will be needed to confirm the diagnosis and remove the polyp so it can be looked at under a microscope.

How much does it cost to have a virtual colonoscopy?

The average out-of-pocket cost for a virtual colonoscopy is $2,400, but can range from less than $750 to more than $5,000, depending on the facility and its geographic location. While the procedure itself costs less than a conventional colonoscopy, it may be costlier due to co-insurance requirements and copays.

Does Medicare pay for virtual colonoscopy?

Medicare does not yet cover virtual colonoscopy. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid considered it a “new and emerging technology” last time it was evaluated and said it required additional evidence before their decision to cover the costs of the test.

Can a colonoscopy be performed without anesthesia?

It’s possible to request a colonoscopy without sedation or general anesthesia. Some patients may prefer this option so they can drive themselves home after the procedure, but they’re more likely to experience discomfort and possibly pain.

Does a colonoscopy require anesthesia?

But their short answer: No, an anesthesiologist is not always necessary for a routine colonoscopy in healthy patients, either because sedation might not be needed at all or because a non-anesthesiologist can safely administer light sedation.

How long are you sedated for a colonoscopy?

However, such complications are uncommon. Colonoscopy takes 30 to 60 minutes. The sedative and pain medicine should keep you from feeling much discomfort during the exam. You will need to remain at the physician’s office for 1 to 2 hours until the sedative wears off.

What drug is given for a colonoscopy?

AS The sedative agents that are currently available for colonoscopy include midazolam, propofol, diazepam, diphenhydramine, promethazine, meperidine, and fentanyl. Among these, midazolam and propofol are the most commonly used sedatives, whereas fentanyl is the most frequently administered analgesic.

Is colonoscopy without sedation painful?

Is a sedation-free colonoscopy painful or uncomfortable? Most patients report little or no discomfort during the procedure. You can request sedation during the procedure if you change your mind and feel you need it, although it has been my experience that this seldom occurs.