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Virtual Colonoscopy

A virtual colonoscopy is a minimally invasive computed tomography (CT) scan that produces two- and three-dimensional images of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. The procedure is used to diagnose colon and bowel disease, including polyps and masses, diverticulosis (pouches in the colon), and cancer.

Please read and follow the instructions in your kit carefully. The prep kit materials are designed to cleanse your bowel for your exam; if it is not completely clean, we may have to repeat the exam. Any remaining stool may also hide serious conditions.

PREP KIT MATERIALS

  • Purg-odan (1 box, 2 pouches) – a laxative that induces bowel movements. The double dose improves the efficacy of fecal tagging (the second half of the preparation).
  • Bisacodyl (10mg x 2) rectal suppositories – a stimulant laxative which increases the activity of the bowel.
  • Buscopan (20mg – 10mg x 2) – slows the motility of the bowel, which reduces spasms during imaging. Spasms can mimic bowel disease during imaging.
  • E-Z-CAT (225ml divided into two drinks) – oral barium, a CT contrast agent that adheres to residual stool after the laxatives.
  • Oral Omnipaque 350 Solution (20ml) – a contrast agent, thinner than E-Z-CAT, which travels through the bowel quickly and adheres to residual stool already mixed with E-Z-CAT. Our computer software can then eliminate areas that are mixed with the contrast agent, differentiating between residual stool and a polyp.

TWO DAYS BEFORE THE EXAM

Around 6 p.m. After a normal evening meal, start a CLEAR FLUID DIET. This includes:

  • Water, pulp-free juices, such as apple or white grape. (AVOID red- or purple-coloured liquids.)
  • Sports drinks, such as Gatorade or Powerade.
  • Decaffeinated beverages, such as soft drinks, coffee, and tea
  • Popsicles and Jell-O (without fruit or cream).
  • Chicken broth/bullion.
  • AVOID all milk products.

Take any required medications with water. If you are diabetic, please call 403.777.3000 for further directions.

ONE DAY BEFORE THE EXAM

8 a.m. (breakfast) Dissolve one package of Purg-odan into a glass of cold water. Drink this glass followed by an equal or larger glass of clear fluid. Drink another 4-5 glasses of clear fluid over the next hour.

The first bowel movement should occur within one hour after finishing the Purg-odan. Stay close to a washroom, as you will experience frequent bowel movements.
9 a.m. Drink 112ml of the E-Z-CAT oral barium solution.
12 p.m. (lunch) Drink an additional 112ml of the E-Z-CAT oral barium solution.
5-6 p.m. (dinner) Take the second package of Purg-odan as per the breakfast instructions, followed by 4-5 additional glasses of clear fluid over the next hour.
8 p.m. Drink the Omnipaque (20ml) mixed with 240ml of clear fluid. Continue to drink clear fluids.

Insert one Bisacodyl rectal suppository. This should empty your bowel of any residual fluid.
12 a.m. (midnight) No fluids after midnight.

DAY OF EXAM

  • About two hours before your test, insert one Bisacodyl rectal suppository and take the Buscopan 20mg by mouth.
  • You may have sips of fluid to take the required medication.
  • Try to empty your bowels one last time before the test.
  • Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to allow enough time for adequate preparation.
  • Bring photo identification and your provincial health card.
  • Wear comfortable clothes.
  • Please do not bring children who require supervision.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING MY EXAM?

  • You may be asked to change into scrubs.
  • You will be asked to lie on your back on the bed of the CT scanner, which will then be adjusted for correct placement.
  • A small tube will be inserted into your rectum to inflate your colon with CO2 until you feel full. (CO2 is more comfortable and more readily absorbed by the body than room air.)
  • Your technologist will leave the room to begin your exam, but you will be in direct communication throughout your procedure.
  • During the exam, you will be asked to turn from your back to your stomach.
  • You will be asked to hold your breath (for 10-15 seconds) to help obtain specific images.
  • Once we have the correct number of good-quality images, your technologist will help you off the bed and guide you back to your change room. You are then free to leave.

POST-EXAM INSTRUCTIONS

  • Resume your normal diet and medications.
  • You will be able to drive after the exam.
  • Although most of the CO2 will be absorbed, some of it will be expelled naturally over the next few hours.
  • If you have any questions or concerns following your exam, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 403-777-3000.

WHEN WILL I GET MY RESULTS?

We do our best to have our radiologists interpret the information and forward the results to your doctor in a timely manner. Please consult with your doctor regarding your results and any follow up exams or questions.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

In Calgary, CT exams are provided at our Mayfair Place location as private pay exams and are not covered by Alberta Health Care. A virtual colonoscopy is $930. We offer a 10% Seniors discount (65+) that can be applied to the total CT exam.

Your health spending account or group medical insurance plan may cover the cost of a private CT that is prescribed by a qualified health care practitioner. You will need to check with your plan administrator for coverage details.

Please note that if contrast is needed, it’s an additional cost of $125.

 

 

FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT

Please ensure that you bring your requisition with you to your appointment.

QUESTIONS?

DURATION

20-30 minutes

LOCATION

PRICING

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I need a doctor's referral?
Yes, all diagnostic and preventative screening CT exams (including those part of Mayfair's Health Assessment packages) require a referral from your health care provider. You can download a referral form on our website.
Is a preventative screening CT scan right for me?
Most physicians endorse routine screening beginning at age 50. Screening should begin earlier (usually at age 40) for patients with one or more risk factors: a family history of colon cancer or heart disease; a history of diabetes; high cholesterol or high blood pressure; an inactive lifestyle; weight problems; or concerns about abdominal disease, pelvic disease or osteoporosis, etc.
Are there size or weight restrictions?
Mayfair's wide-bore CT scanners offer a more comfortable imaging experience, especially for larger patients or those who are prone to anxiety in tight spaces. Feet first scanning capacity, flexible design configurations, and padding provide optimal patient comfort. If you're nervous about sizing, measure your body at the widest point (usually across your abdomen or from shoulder to shoulder) and if the measurement is less than 70 centimetres, you should fit. If you are claustrophobic, you can come in for a fitting at NO charge to make sure you will be comfortable during the exam. Patients whose weight exceeds 226 kilograms (500 lbs) may be unable to have a CT scan.
Are there any risks?
The exposure to radiation from a CT scan is higher than that of standard X-rays, but the associated risk is still small. For example, the radiation exposure from one low-dose CT scan of the abdomen is similar to the exposure from the earth's natural background radiation over six months. In most cases, the benefits of a CT, such as the early detection of a serious illness, outweigh the small increased risk from radiation exposure. If your CT exam requires intravenous contrast, there is a small risk of allergic reaction to the contrast agent. Diabetes, asthma, heart disease, kidney problems, or thyroid conditions also increase your risk of a reaction to contrast.
How should I prepare for my procedure?
For the virtual colonoscopy, you must irrigate the colon with laxatives and temporarily change your diet.

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