CT Colonography is an advanced and accurate diagnostic screening tool for bowel (colon) cancer and pre-cancerous polyps, for both asymptomatic and symptomatic patients. It is extremely safe, fast and is less invasive than conventional colonoscopy. No sedation is required, and you may resume normal activities straight afterwards.
The main purpose of CT colonography is to look for cancer or polyps in the large bowel. CT colonography is also an excellent test for diagnosing diverticulitis (where pouches develop in the wall of the colon) or as an investigation if you have symptoms suggestive of bowel problems. Another reason to have a CT colonography is if you have had a difficult or incomplete colonoscopy when the whole bowel may not have been completely or confidently assessed.
CT Colonography is very safe but may not be appropriate for people who are pregnant. Please note that this test is generally not recommended for women under 45 years of age.
Colonography can detect polyps, tumours, inflammation, or other abnormalities in your colon. You may need a colonography if you have symptoms such as bleeding from the rectum, change in bowel habits, abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss. You may also need a colonography if you are at high risk of developing colorectal cancer due to a family history, age, or certain genetic conditions.
You will need to follow a special diet and take laxatives before your colonography, to empty and cleanse your colon. This will help the radiologist to see your colon clearly and accurately. You will receive detailed instructions from us about what to eat and drink, what medications to take or avoid, and when to start and stop the bowel preparation. Generally, you will need to avoid solid foods, dairy products, and red or purple liquids for at least one day before the test. You will also need to drink plenty of clear fluids and stay hydrated.
A CT colonography is a safe and effective test that can detect colorectal cancer and other diseases at an early stage, when they are more treatable. It has several advantages over a conventional colonoscopy, such as being less invasive, faster, less painful, and requiring no sedation. Perhaps the biggest advantage is shorter waitlists, as the waitlists for colonoscopy in New Zealand can be very long. However, a CT colonography also has some limitations and risks, and if a CT colonography finds any suspicious findings, you may need to follow-up with a colonoscopy to confirm the diagnosis and to remove the polyps or lesions. You should discuss with your doctor the pros and cons of a CT colonography and whether it is suitable for you.
The scanner’s large opening and short length means you won’t feel enclosed, and you can talk to the operator at any time. If you feel uncomfortable, let the staff know.
Actual scan times are seconds (5-10 seconds per breath-hold) and the whole scan generally takes less than 15 minutes.