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The colon, with the stomach, comprises the body’s major organs of digestion. The gastrointestinal tract is one of the largest organs in the body, often extending over 30 feet from stomach to rectum. By virtue of its size and function, the colon is particularly susceptible to various diseases that, if not detected early, can be debilitating and often fatal.
Colon cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in non-smokers and, for smokers, follows closely behind lung cancer. Men and women are at equal risk of developing colon cancer. Precursor lesions, commonly colon polyps or small adenomas, generally precede the development of cancer by several years to a decade or more. Because 75% of the incidence of colon cancer is found in those at “average” risk, most physicians recommend commencing screening at least by age 50 or earlier if there is a family history of premature colon cancer.
When initiated in its early stages, colon cancer treatments are very promising. Until recently, however, the most common diagnostic tool has been colonoscopy which involves the rectal insertion of an endoscope. The patient is subjected to a severe and unpleasant diet, ingests an unpleasant ‘milkshake’ and is sedated during the procedure. This process presents risks relative to the sedation as well as the small possibility of perforation of the bowel. These risks are usually justified in the case of the high-risk patient. For the patient in the intermediate risk category, however, the procedure is sufficiently unpleasant that only about 20-30% of individuals who should have colon screening actually have it performed
The virtual colonoscopy has become a reality in medicine with recent advances in Computed Tomography (CT) and especially Electron Beam Tomography (EBT). It is now possible to graphically image the entire colon without sedatives, excessive discomfort, or invasive procedures. The virtual colonoscopy makes colon cancer screening bearable. The test preparation is gentler than standard colonoscopy, no sedation or drugs are needed and the patient can return to home or work immediately after the study. Moreover, with virtual colonoscopy, there is no risk of perforation of the bowel or reaction to anesthetic.
Virtual Colonography imaging involves multiple, thin, x-ray sections through a CO2 distended colon that are reconstructed by a special computer to create a 3-dimentional image that is reviewed by a specially trained radiologist. Radiation exposure using EBT is approximately 20% (about 1/5th) that of standard CT. Compared with direct colonoscopy using the flexible endoscope, Virtual Colonoscopy is considered to be equally effective, offering 90-95% sensitivity for 10 mm or greater polyps and 90% sensitive for 6-9 mm or larger adenomas. More important, however, because it is gentler to the patient, more are likely to have this life saving test.
Not only does PrevaHealth offer the only EBT e-Speed available in Ohio, all virtual colonoscopies are performed using the VIATRONIX software. The VIATRONIX program was used in an important New England Journal of Medicine study comparing virtual colonoscopy to direct colonoscopy. Thus, PrevaHealth offers the only protocol validated in a broad-based, published study. Furthermore, all PrevaHealth studies are interpreted by physicians specifically trained in the interpretation of VIATRONIX virtual colon images and supervised by our Medical Director, Dr. John Rumberger.
Virtual colonoscopy does, of course, require cleansing of the bowel before the scan. It is also necessary for the bowel to be filled with air for clear imaging. Although slightly uncomfortable and causing a feeling of abdominal "fullness", it is a rapid and generally painless process. At PrevaHealth, we use CO2 for inflation because it is constantly absorbed by the colon lining and is more comfortable than any other preparation. 3-D Colonoscopy requires only about ten minutes for the patient on the examining table.
Many physicians and specialists find virtual colonoscopy exams as effective as invasive methods in detecting polyps that might prove malignant. Higher resolution and quicker results have also generated physician support. Results of the virtual colon scan are available to the radiologist immediately following the procedure and are available for discussion with the patient following the scan.
At PrevaHealth in Columbus, Ohio we use the innovative EBT e-Speed technology and the VIATRONIX software for our unique high resolution, low radiation Virtual Colonography. This information serves as the starting point for working with you and your doctor to design a personalized “HealthPATH” specifically for you.
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