Colon computed tomography, ColonoTC or virtual colonoscopy

It is a radiological procedure that allows the three-dimensional exploration of the colon from CT images.

The indications are the same as those of conventional colonoscopy, since it allows the study of the entire large intestine, but with the advantage that it is minimally invasive and does not require sedation. On the other hand, this procedure does not allow the extraction of polyps or the performance of biopsies.

In preparation for this study, a special diet is required three days before the test, and prior to the examination, air will be blown into the colon through a rectal probe to distend the intestinal loops as much as possible.

Sometimes this study also requires the injection of intravenous contrast.

It is a painless procedure, and the exploration time is about 20 minutes.