What does a CT scan show of the colon?

What does a CT scan show of the colon?

CT colonography provides clearer and more detailed images than a conventional barium enema x-ray examination. CT colonography can detect abnormalities outside of the colon, including early-stage malignancies in other organs and potentially dangerous conditions, such as abdominal aortic aneurysms.

What is the difference between a colonoscopy and a CT colonography?

Virtual colonoscopy is also known as screening CT colonography. 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.

Is a CT colonography painful?

The radiographer puts a small tube a few centimetres long into your back passage (rectum) to pump carbon dioxide or air inside. This opens the bowel, helping to get clear scans of the inside of your bowel. You may feel uncomfortable and bloated. Rarely, people have pain.

What is a CT Pneumocolon?

A CT pneumocolon involves using a large amount of carbon dioxide to inflate your bowel. Following the scan you will have been advised to go o the toilet to pass as much air as possible. For some time after the test your stomach may feel bloated. This is caused by the air that was intro- duced into your bowel.

Do colon polyps show up on CT scan?

How are polyps diagnosed? Polyps are diagnosed by either looking at the colon lining directly (colonoscopy) or by a specialized CT scan called CT colography (also called a virtual colonoscopy).

Can CT scan detect colon problems?

Computed tomography (CT) scans can be used in a few ways to help detect colorectal cancer, find signs of cancer in other areas of the body, or determine how well cancer treatment is working.

Can a CT scan detect bowel problems?

Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis is a diagnostic imaging test. Doctors use it to help detect diseases of the small bowel, colon, and other internal organs. It is often used to determine the cause of unexplained pain. CT scanning is fast, painless, noninvasive and accurate.

Would a CT scan show impacted bowel?

Computerized tomography (CT). These images are more detailed than a standard X-ray, and are more likely to show an intestinal obstruction.

How will I feel after a CT colonography?

Are there any after effects of a CT colonography? After the test, your abdomen may feel uncomfortable, a bit 'crampy' or 'bloated' for a few hours. If this occurs, it usually passes quickly.

Can I drive after a CT Colonography?

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.