What happens at a colon screening?

Answer 1

It sounds alot scarier than it really is. It's more uncomfortable than anything. & it's very important to do.


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What is CTC?

* CT Colonography (CTC), sometimes called "Virtual Colonoscopy," is a new non-invasive and easily tolerated technique by which patients receive a special CT (or "CAT") scan. A CT scan is an X-ray test that creates special images of the body. The images from the CT scan are transferred to a computer, which creates a detailed picture of the inside of the colon. A radiologist (a doctor who specializes in medical imaging) is then able to evaluate the colon on the computer, looking for the same polyps that can be seen with conventional endoscopy.

* Studies performed at several university hospitals around the country indicate that CTC is a safe exam that is very sensitive for detecting colon polyps. Recent data from a large screening trial indicate that CTC is as effective as conventional colonoscopy for the detection of polyps.


What should I expect?

* 3D reconstruction image of colon. Arrow indicates 1.5 cm adenoma.

3D reconstruction image
of colon.
Arrow indicates 1.5 cm adenoma.

CTC is designed to be easily tolerated by patients. The exam can be completed within twenty minutes, and most patients report that it causes little or no discomfort.

* To begin, you will lie comfortably on the CT scanner table. A very small, flexible tube is inserted into the rectum and some air is gently blown into the colon to hold it open. After the tube is inserted, your privacy will be maintained and you will be in control of the amount of air. You may experience a sense of fullness, but nearly all patients report that the air insufflation is not painful.

* It takes about two minutes to perform the actual CT scan. The first series of pictures will be taken with you lying on your stomach, followed by another set lying on your back. After the pictures are taken, the tube is removed and you will be free to go.

* Because no sedation is required for the test, you can drive or return to work after the exam is completed. After you leave, an MGH radiologist will interpret the pictures and report the results directly to your doctor.

* Most people don’t have polyps, but the smaller percentage of people who do should have them removed. If we detect a polyp on your CTC, we will inform your doctor, and he or she will likely recommend a follow-up endoscopy to have the polyp removed.


How do I prepare for my CTC exam?

* The bowel preparation that you take the night before your appointment is essential for a good exam. The colon needs to be prepared so that the radiologist can clearly see if any polyps are present. The special liquid that you drink passes through you and is not absorbed by your body. Because the liquid is not absorbed, it causes most people to have diarrhea on that evening only. On the morning of the exam, you should strictly limit your diet to clear liquids, such as tea or apple juice. Immediately following the exam, you may resume your regular diet.


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Answer 2

Presuming you've done your bowel prep in advance as instructed, when you walk into the GI lab you will be given some forms to complete and you will sign a consent form for the procedure. You'll be asked if you've had anything to eat or drink. You'll be taken into the recovery area to remove your clothing and change into a gown. From there, you'll go to the procedure room and be asked to lie down on a table. You will be given IV anesthesia by a nurse and monitored the entire time. You are likely to have conscious sedation - you will be awake and able to assist but will have no memory of the procedure. A colonoscope, a tube-like fiber-optic instrument, will be inserted into your rectum and guided into the colon. The gastroenterologist will be viewing the interior of your colon and a real-time image will be on a monitor. She/he will be able to video the procedure to review and/or isolate specific areas of the colon. Specimens of any growths or tissue may be taken at this time for laboratory analysis (pathology). It will be painless for you with no real discomfort afterward. You will be then taken to recovery and subsequently discharged to whomever is your designated driver.

This is what happens at a colon screening. This is what you can expect.

Answer 3

They insert a flexible tube containing a camera and lights into your rectum. They usually give you sedation for this some doctors put you completely out. They advance the tube taking pictures of your colon and sometimes if polyps are present can take a biopsy during the procedure. Afterwards you may have some discomfort due to gas and soreness of the anus. It's a wonderfully usefull tool in the early detection of colon cancer. and the earlier you find it the easier it is to cure.

Answer 4

Are you talking about a colonoscopy? If so, then don't worry because you won't remember a thing. They take a small hose with a camera and, well, you know the rest. It's not bad. The worst part is the preparation, which means being on the toilet a lot the day before and only having clear liquids.

If you're talking about a regular doctor's appointment, then it's also nothing. He takes a finger with lots of lube, you make like a prisoner on Oz, and then it's over. A little discomfort, but nothing that will be painful.

Answer 5

As a sales person for Endoscopy Equipment I know this answer.

First you will have to take a prep. it's something you drink the night before to help clean out your entire colon. Put it in the frige and add ONLY and I MEAN ONLY lemonade drink mix to help get it down.(ask doctor if it ok to do it first)

after many bowel movements and i mean many your bowel movements will be clear.

the moring of the proceedure you will be given an IV containing some med to make you sleepy.

A colonoscope will be insterted into your rectum and air will inflate your bowels so that the doctor may see you colon clearly.

there is no pain during the proceedure or after due to the meds.

for more information search colonoscopys.

Hope this helps

Answer 6

It is a very important test ,the rate of colon cancer has gotten worse than ever .my mother died from colon cancer!!!! hours before you drink stuff to clean your colon out .the run a light in your colon take pictures and if needed remove polips ,I had a biosipy done on my colon because I had a finding 3 years ago .its not painful ,the worst is cleaning out drinking all that stuff .the twilight shot you wont know nothing they are doing .wishing you the best

Answer 7

Considering this started after your C-section doesn’t it make more sense that it is related to that? Only 1% of colon cancers occur in people under 35 years old and most of those are rare hereditary types. You need to bring this up to your OB/GYN.

Answer 8

I have had one, and they are not as bad as people let on. You are given a sedative and are most likely sleeping through the whole thing. I did wake up couple times, and saw the scope going through, was kinda of cool looking, but I did have some discomfort during that time I was away. After wards, no pain at all.

Answer 9

They lube you up and stick a camera tube in your butt. Didn't your doctor go over that with you?

Answer 10

If you're going to have one, you might not want to know ahead of time...