Radiology

Virtual Colonoscopy

Virtual colonoscopy, a less invasive screening for colorectal cancer, is now available at Hudson Valley Hospital Center. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the nation. "The good news is that this gentler, non-invasive type of screening will attract many patients to take the test. The 3-D images of the colon are of the highest quality and are able to detect even small polyps. Patients are amazed at how easy and quick the virtual colonoscopy screening is," states Dr. Maurice Poplausky, Chairman of Diagnostic Imaging at HVHC.

Early detection is a prime defense in the battle against disease and the virtual colonoscopy eliminates the worry and discomfort of testing for many people. Health professionals are encouraged that more people will undergo testing, thereby identifying potential problems early on. The New England Journal of Medicine has published a research study pointing to the benefits of the virtual colonoscopy.

FACT Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. In it’s early stages, colorectal cancer causes no symptoms in the patient. Most colorectal cancers begin as small precancerous (adenomatous) polyps that can take 3-10 years to evolve into cancer. Approximately 8% to 12 % of untreated polyps become cancerous tumors. When screening is performed regularly, polyps can be removed before they have the chance to become cancerous. The removal of precancerous polyps is essential and has the potential to reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer by 98%. During the course of a lifetime 1 in 20 people will develop colorectal cancer. Statistics show that individuals over the age 50 account for 90% of colorectal cancer. This risk increases significantly with age. Detecting clinically significant polyps and cancer with virtual colonoscopy allows for treatment at a stage when the disease can be prevented or even cured, before the disease infiltrates to other parts of the body.

Preparation
The entire exam takes only a few minutes. You may feel some slight discomfort when the colon is inflated with air. Virtual colonoscopy involves no scopes, sedation or recovery time. Before the exam, you will pick up a prep kit (Fleet Kit #1) containing laxatives, as well as Tagitol from your pharmacy. Instructions for a twenty-four hour diet regimen will be given to you prior to your exam. It is necessary that you follow the instructions in the kit exactly. Any fecal matter or fluid within the colon could be falsely identified as a polyp or as cancer. If the bowel is not sufficiently clean, you may have to reschedule your virtual colonoscopy.

Cost
The cost for a virtual colonoscopy exam is $683.00. HVHC accepts cash, check, Visa and MasterCard. Payment is required at the time of your exam. A prescription from your doctor is needed. At this time insurance plans do not cover this screening exam.

Please call Hudson Valley Hospital Center to schedule your appointment today (914) 734-3674.