A virtual colonoscopy is a CT scan that looks for polyps or cancer in your colon and rectum. This test uses highly detailed 3D images to see the entire length of your colon. The test is about 15 minutes long, and you don’t need sedation.

Ouadie Rhabbouron

What are the risks and benefits?

Some of the benefits of a virtual colonoscopy are:

  • It only lasts about 15 minutes.
  • It produces detailed 2D and 3D images as clear as what a provider can see on a traditional colonoscopy.
  • There’s a faster recovery because you don’t have sedation.
  • It’s less invasive because providers don’t have to insert a scope.
  • There’s less risk of injury to your colon than traditional colonoscopy.

It’s a good option if you can’t have sedation or a traditional colonoscopy for any reason. Because it can take pictures of your entire bowel, it works well if you have a bowel obstruction or narrowed parts in your bowel. It can also show problems in your kidneys, liver or other parts of your abdomen.

Risks and limitations of the test include:

  • Bowel perforation from inflating your bowel with air (this is rare)
  • Exposure to small amounts of radiation (the exposure levels are safe)
  • It can miss smaller polyps that traditional colonoscopy may catch

This test may not be safe for everyone. This is why your provider will review your medical history and medications beforehand.

Results and Follow-Up

What should I expect after?

After your virtual colonoscopy, you can go back to your typical activities and eat and drink normally. Because it doesn’t require anesthesia, virtual colonoscopy usually has very little or no recovery time.

You may have some side effects, like excess gas from the air that was pumped into your colon. The gas may cause some cramping or bloating, but this is normal.

What do results of a virtual colonoscopy mean?

If your provider finds an abnormality or a polyp on your virtual colonoscopy, this doesn’t mean you have colorectal cancer. But you’ll need a follow-up colonoscopy so your provider can remove the polyp. Sometimes, they can do the colonoscopy on the same day, as you’re already prepped.

As a virtual colonoscopy gives a wider view of other organs in your pelvis, there’s a chance your provider can see issues outside of your colon. If this happens, they’ll order additional testing on those organs.

If your results are normal, it means your provider didn’t see anything irregular in your colon. Ask your provider when you should have your next colorectal cancer screening. If you have a low risk of colorectal cancer, you may need a repeat virtual colonoscopy every five years.

How accurate are the results?

Several studies show virtual colonoscopy finds large polyps and cancer at about the same rate as a typical colonoscopy. But the accuracy can vary depending on the size of the polyps. It’s generally more accurate in detecting polyps larger than 10 millimeters. It’s slightly less effective at finding polyps less than 6 millimeters.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

Seek medical care right away if you notice these symptoms after your virtual colonoscopy:

  • Blood in your poop or blood coming out of your butthole
  • Dizziness
  • Fever
  • Severe abdominal pain

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in adults. Colorectal screening tests can catch this cancer early when it’s easier to treat. Still, many people don’t get the screening they need because they don’t want a colonoscopy. With a low risk of complications and a faster recovery, a virtual colonoscopy is a good alternative to traditional colonoscopy. Talk to a healthcare provider about your colorectal screening options to find out if a virtual colonoscopy is right for you.

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