Virtual Colonoscopy

Virtual colonoscopy is slowly becoming available, but it is still in the very early stages, so availability is very limited.  In fact, AmSurg (The Colon Cancer Prevention Network's management partner) is very involved in testing this technology in some of its centers, in partnership with the renowned Cleveland Clinic and General Electric Corp. Based on the success of those tests, AmSurg and its more than 115 centers which offer colonoscopies will be among the first to offer the virtual option to their patients.

However, virtual colonoscopy has its limitations.  To begin, it doesn't eliminate the colon-emptying preparation steps; you must still do that prep.  But its primary limitation is that it can't remove any polyps found – it is not preventive.  If polyps and other abnormalities are seen during a virtual colonoscopy, a traditional colonoscopy must be performed to remove them.

Since colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., our recommendation is not to wait to get your colonoscopy if you presently meet screening guidelines.  If no polyps are found and if this technology progresses as planned, your next colonoscopy could very likely be virtual.  (And The Colon Cancer Prevention Network will be among the first to offer it!) By acting now, as you wait you will enjoy the peace of mind in knowing you've done what you can do to prevent your colon cancer until then.