HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Do you trust virtual colonoscopy?

Support Forums
>
Crohn's Disease
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 11/4/2007 9:39 PM (GMT 0)
Do you trust virtual colonoscopy?

eyes  

Anyone who had it? scool

Posted 11/5/2007 12:20 AM (GMT 0)
Virtual Colonoscopy is primarily used for evaluation of the colon only. Since I have problems in my ileum, I'm not exactly sure that this procudre is helpful. Certainly, it has it's place in evaluating/monitoring disease status, but I'm not sure that it should/could replace the real colonoscopy which is the only procedure available of allowing for biopsies.
Posted 11/5/2007 12:43 PM (GMT 0)
I would have to agree. The virtual colon is a screening tool. I happen to do CT and do this exam. It is a good tool if you are unable to have a colonoscopy. Like if you have a bleeding disorder, but as far as the results for people with CD I would have to say that I would still opt or the real thing. A lot of times it is hard to tell if what we are seeing is fecal material or a polyp. And if it is something you have still have to have the scope to bx it or evaluate it. Also I have not seen a case where a spot of inflamation has been seen like you would in a regular colonoscopy. Which I have found from personal experiance can indicate a fistula starting.
A good exam to examine the small bowel is the CT entrography. This shows the bowel really well and also gives an over view of the rest of your body. I just had one done in Oct and was really pleased with the detailed results. It showed my stricture and fistula really well and also found some cysts on my ovaries. It can also show your liver which I was told can be affected by CD. After doing them and having CD I would opt for the real deal. This is just my view and I am no expert by any means.
Hope this helps somewhat!
Posted 11/5/2007 1:10 PM (GMT 0)
One last thing most ins companies do not pay for this. If you want it done and so not have a prior condition like bleeding it will most likely come out of pocket. I think that it ranges between 1,000 to 2,000 depends in the facility. I know that this is the case at our facility and the ins thing and trying to get it paid for is a big pain.
Posted 11/5/2007 5:18 PM (GMT 0)
Do you think being sedated help to reach further in the colon?

I wasn't sedated last time and he only scope 60cm.
Posted 11/5/2007 11:24 PM (GMT 0)
Yes I think that sedation is a big help. I think that you are more relaxed when sedated and less likely to fight the scope. I don't think that they would have made it 5cm on me without sedation!! It also depends upon what your bowel is like as to how far they get. If it has a lot twists and turns then from what I have seen docs don't get as far. Any other question let me know and I will try to help!
Posted 11/8/2007 8:29 PM (GMT 0)
damm,i wish it was more precise lol
Posted 11/9/2007 3:49 AM (GMT 0)
I'm not sure it would help us much. The best info I've gotten in my years with this disease came from biopsies that proved I had CD and later that I was in remission. The virtual scope can't do that.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply