CT Colonography (“Virtual Colonoscopy”) for Colon Cancer Screening

Background: Computed tomographic (CT) colonography, also known as "virtual colonoscopy," is an imaging technique of the colon involving helical computed tomography and computer software to generate high-resolution 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional images of the inner surface of the colon. These images are then interpreted by a radiologist to determine the presence of several types of abnormalities of the colon. CT colonography has been investigated as a technique for colon cancer screening. Although it requires a full bowel cleansing similar to that required for conventional colonoscopy, the procedure requires no sedation or analgesia, and is faster to perform than conventional colonoscopy.