When It Comes To Your Health, Don’t Wait

A virtual colonography is a more comfortable, less invasive, and equally effective form of a colon health screening compared to a traditional colonoscopy.

Virtual colonographies use cutting-edge technology to detect abnormalities and to prevent colorectal cancer, all without the anxiety associated with more traditional and invasive methods.

This procedure is an effective addition to the world of preventive care and offers patients a chance for a brighter and healthier future.

1 in 14 men will be diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer in their lifetime.

Canadian Cancer Society, 2023

Test : Virtual Colonography
Early Detection Of : Colon Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Polyps, Ulcers, Diverticulosis

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Virtual Colonoscopy

A virtual colonoscopy, also known as a CT colonography, is an X-ray that checks for cancer, polyps, and ulcers in your colon and rectum.

Compared to a traditional colonoscopy, a virtual colonography is a less invasive way to check for cancer of the large intestine.

A virtual colonoscopy uses a CT scanner to provide rendered images of the entire large bowel. It takes hundreds of cross-sectional images of your belly organs to provide a complete view of the inside of your colon and rectum.

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, there have been fewer new cases of colorectal cancer due to increased effective screening and early intervention.

Early Detection of Cancers and Polyps

Virtual colonographies have shown remarkable potential in detecting colon and colorectal cancers. With the use of advanced imaging technology, they can provide detailed and accurate images of the colon’s interior, allowing our doctors to identify polyps, ulcers, or abnormal tissue that could be indicative of cancerous developments.

Polyps and Ulcers

Colon and Colorectal Cancer

Diverticulosis

A virtual colonoscopy can detect polyps and ulcers in the colon and rectum. Polyps are growths on the lining of your colon and rectum that could potentially develop into cancer over time if left untreated. Ulcers are sores on your skin’s surface or on your stomach or intestinal lining.

Virtual colonoscopies can detect polyps and ulcers early. Removing them can help prevent colorectal cancer.

Colon cancer is a growth of cells that begins in the part of the large intestine called the colon. Colorectal cancer is similar to colon cancer, except that it can also start in the rectum, which is the passageway that connects the colon to the anus.

A virtual colonography screens for colon and colorectal cancer. If identified early, these types of cancers are highly preventable.

A virtual colonoscopy can also screen for diverticulosis. This is a condition that occurs when small sacs push outward through weak spots in the wall of your colon.

Diverticulosis can cause bleeding, inflammation, abdominal pain, and other complications. If left untreated, there is a chance it could develop into colon cancer.

Benefits of a Virtual Colonography

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in men and the third leading cause of death from cancer in women.

A virtual colonoscopy can help detect cancer early and prevent it from getting worse.

Screens For Cancers and Polyps

The main benefit of a virtual colonoscopy is that it can detect signs of colon cancer and polyps early. Polyps are small clumps of cells that form on the lining of the colon. While they are mostly harmless, they could potentially develop into colon cancer over time.

Early detection of polyps or cancers allows for earlier intervention and a better prognosis. Colorectal cancer is actually a highly preventable disease if identified early at the polyp stage.

Minimally Invasive Procedure

A virtual colonoscopy is minimally invasive and more comfortable than a traditional colonoscopy. While a traditional colonoscopy involves inserting a colonoscope to look inside your colon, a virtual colonoscopy uses images from a CT scan, and the pictures are taken from outside your body. There is less risk of injury, and it is overall a more comfortable experience for the patient.

Fast Recovery

Patients who undergo a virtual colonoscopy have a fast recovery. Since the procedure is minimally invasive, and there is no sedation or anesthesia involved, there is no downtime. Patients are free to return to their daily activities immediately after the procedure.

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Every journey begins with a test to help you learn more about your health and assess your baseline.

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How a Virtual Colonoscopy Works

On the day of your procedure

Patients are expected to wear comfortable clothing and to refrain from wearing any jewelry. You will begin by lying down on a table, where a short tube will be inserted into your rectum. This tube will gently pump air into your colon, inflating it and allowing our doctor to see more clearly.

The table will slowly slide you into the CT scanner. You will lie still as the CT scanner takes pictures. Our doctor may ask you to change positions or hold your breath for several seconds.

Once your test is done

The table will slide you out of the CT scanner and the tube will be removed from your rectum.

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Reasons to Get a Virtual Colonography

Family History of Colon Cancer

It is recommended to get a virtual colonoscopy if someone in your family has had polyps or cancer of the colon or rectum. Some types of cancers are strongly linked to family history, including colorectal cancers. This means that your risk of developing cancer may slightly increase if a close family member has previously had this type of cancer.

Personal History of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

A virtual colonoscopy is also recommended if you have a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This could include diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. Patients with IBD appear to be at notably increased risk of colorectal cancer compared to those without it.

Lifestyle Factors

Lifestyle factors also play a contributing role in developing cancer. For instance, lack of exercise, poor diet, obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption are all various risk factors in developing colon cancer. If you are experiencing any of the lifestyle factors previously mentioned, it is highly recommended to get a virtual colonoscopy.

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Packages

InvestMed offers thorough health packages designed to meet the individual needs of our patients.

You can choose between a risk-specific package or a comprehensive package to analyze your health and wellbeing. Each package includes a comprehensive 1 hour physical exam and 1 hour review of results with recommendations to achieve optimal health.

Package costs will vary based on individual diagnostic test recommendations. Financing options are available.

Risk-Specific Screening Packages

Cancer Screening Package

Mitigate your cancer risk with preventive screening.

Package starting at $3,999*

MRI
DNA testing – 84 genes for cancer
Mole mapping
Advanced blood work
CT scan
Virtual colonoscopy

Proactive testing can detect changes in your body that could become cancer.

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*Package cost will vary based on individual diagnostic test recommendations. Financing options are available.

Stroke Screening Package

Knowing your risk for stroke can save your life.

$5,999*

MRA – Magnetic resonance angiography
DNA testing – 83 genes for heart conditions
Advanced blood work
Carotid doppler ultrasound
Echocardiogram

Detect your risk of stroke early, even before symptoms present themselves.

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*Package cost will vary based on individual diagnostic test recommendations. Financing options are available.

Heart Disease Screening Package

Early screenings are essential for heart disease prevention.

Package starting at $3,999*

Coronary calcium score
DNA testing – 83 genes for heart conditions
Advanced blood work
Exercise stress test
Echocardiogram
CT coronary angiography

Screening for cardiovascular risk factors before you develop heart disease, can help you prevent it.

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*Package cost will vary based on individual diagnostic test recommendations. Financing options are available.

Comprehensive Screening Packages

Comprehensive Screening Package

Get the right screening tests at the right time.

Packages from $5,999 - $11,999*

Whole body MRI
Coronary calcium score
DEXA scans
Microbiome gut testing
Genetic testing+
Heart health workup
Cancer risk review
Mole mapping
Screen for all material risks

Prevention is key to longevity, whether or not you are presenting symptoms or risk factors.

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*Package cost will vary based on individual diagnostic test recommendations. Financing options are available.

Corporate Services

Please contact us for a custom corporate package. Specialized corporate rates available.

Comprehensive, proactive health plans
Customized screening tests
Extensive medical risk assessments
Preventive approach to healthcare

Proactively manage executive wellness.

FAQ

How should I prepare for a virtual colonoscopy?

Prior to your virtual colonoscopy, you will need to do a bowel preparation. This involves emptying your body of all stool the day before the procedure in order for your healthcare provider to see your colon and rectum more clearly.

Our doctors will provide you with detailed instructions on how to complete your bowel prep. The following may be included:

Laxatives. Liquids or powders that loosen stools and increase bowel movements.
Enemas. Injections of fluids into your rectum to cleanse or stimulate the emptying of your bowel.
Fasting / Clear liquid diet. The day before your procedure, you may not be able to eat or drink anything other than clear liquids. This could include water, broth, tea or plain coffee. Additionally, for several hours prior to the procedure, you will not be able to eat or drink anything.

How long is the procedure?

A virtual colonoscopy is a quick procedure. It typically takes about 15 minutes.

What are the risks associated with a virtual colonoscopy?

A virtual colonoscopy is typically safe. There are several risks associated with it, including:

Perforations in the colon or rectum.
During the test, the colon and rectum are filled with air or carbon dioxide, which poses a small risk of causing a perforation, or a tear. However, this is still a lower risk compared to that of a traditional colonoscopy.
Exposure to a low level of radiation.
A small amount of radiation is needed to take the pictures of your colon and rectum. It amounts to roughly the same amount of natural radiation you may be exposed to in two years, which is much less than the amount for a regular CT scan.

Who should get a virtual colonoscopy?

You should get a virtual colonoscopy if the following applies to you:

You are over the age of 50.
You have a family history of colon cancer or polyposis.
You are unable to have a traditional colonoscopy.
You have a personal history of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or radiation therapy to the abdomen or pelvis.

What is the difference between a virtual colonoscopy and a traditional colonoscopy?

There are several differences between a virtual colonoscopy and a traditional one.

Anesthesia.
While a traditional colonoscopy requires the use of sedation or anesthesia, a virtual colonoscopy does not. This means that there is no downtime involved, so patients may resume their daily activities immediately following the procedure.
Imaging tools.
A traditional colonoscopy involves looking inside your colon using a colonoscope, which is a camera attached to a long, flexible tube. Meanwhile, a virtual colonoscopy uses images from a CT scan, and the pictures are taken from outside your body.
Procedure length. While a traditional colonoscopy can take up to 90 minutes or longer, a virtual colonoscopy generally lasts around 15 minutes.

Is there any downtime involved with this procedure?

No, there is no downtime involved. Since the procedure is minimally invasive, patients are able to return to their daily activities immediately after the test.

It is possible to have excess gas from the air that was pumped into your colon before the procedure. The gas may cause some cramping or bloating, but it is not severe.

Should I get a virtual colonoscopy if I am pregnant?

No, you should not get a virtual colonoscopy if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. The small amount of radiation used in the test could potentially be dangerous for pregnant women.

Learn More

Men

Women

When It Comes To Your Health, Don’t Wait

Virtual Colonoscopy

Early Detection of Cancers and Polyps

Polyps and Ulcers

Colon and Colorectal Cancer

Diverticulosis

Benefits of a Virtual Colonography

Screens For Cancers and Polyps

Minimally Invasive Procedure

Fast Recovery

How a Virtual Colonoscopy Works

On the day of your procedure

Next

Once your test is done

Reasons to Get a Virtual Colonography

Family History of Colon Cancer

Personal History of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Lifestyle Factors

Packages

Risk-Specific Screening Packages

Comprehensive Screening Packages

FAQ

How should I prepare for a virtual colonoscopy?

How long is the procedure?

Who should get a virtual colonoscopy?

What is the difference between a virtual colonoscopy and a traditional colonoscopy?

Is there any downtime involved with this procedure?