ATLANTA – (March 7, 2008) -- Saint Joseph’s Hospital announced today that it is now offering a ‘virtual’ colonoscopy. The minimally-invasive CT colonography has been recommended by the American Cancer Society as a screening option for colon cancer and also for those patients who have previously had an ‘incomplete colonoscopy’ or for other reasons, those who are not good candidates for an invasive colonoscopy.
“Everyone over the age of 50 should be screened for colon cancer,” says Phyllis Youngblood, vice president of oncology and digestive disease at Saint Joseph’s Hospital. “The ‘virtual’ colonoscopy allows the physician to examine the colon for polyps or other abnormal growths using a CT scan. It is a new option for those patients who can’t, or don’t want, a traditional colonoscopy.
With the CT colongraphy, patients must take the usual oral preparation to cleanse the bowel. The patient has a CT scan, both supine and prone (lying on the back and face down). The scan is read by a radiologist who can see abnormalities or other problems throughout the length of the colon. If abnormalities are found, a traditional colonoscopy may be required. Anesthesia is not required and exposure to radiation is minimal.
For more information, call 404-851-7115.
