Virtual Colonoscopy
A non-invasive, accurate alternative to traditional colon cancer screening.
A virtual colonoscopy, known clinically as CT colonography, screens the colon with a low-dose CT scan of your abdomen and pelvis. It needs no sedation and takes about 15 minutes. The images show polyps and other abnormalities inside your colon and rectum, and it carries fewer complications than a conventional colonoscopy.
Virtual Colonoscopy vs. Conventional Colonoscopy
As with anything, there are pros and cons to both virtual colonoscopies and conventional colonoscopies. One of the most significant advantages of a virtual colonoscopy is that it is less invasive and does not require you to be sedated. Conventional colonoscopies are much more time-consuming. However, both approaches require an injection of CO2 into the colon, creating potential discomfort.
Conventional colonoscopies are slightly more reliable for identifying polyps that are 10mm in size or smaller. However, the vast majority of such diminutive polyps tend to be benign as opposed to malignant. Virtual colonoscopies can identify polyps and will require an additional procedure to have those polyps removed. There is a low dose of radiation with a virtual colonoscopy.
Similar to a conventional colonoscopy, a small tube will be inserted into the rectum. This tube is used to pump CO2 into the colon. Because the tube is shorter with a virtual colonoscopy, there is minor discomfort during and following the procedure, which is why there is no need for pain medication. When pumping CO2 into the colon, as is done with both procedures, there is a small risk of tearing or rupturing the colon. However, it is believed that the risk is reduced with the virtual procedure because we monitor and limit the pressure for each patient during the exam.
Medicare added screening CT colonography to its covered colorectal cancer screening tests on January 1, 2025. The benefit applies to patients 45 and older when a clinician orders the scan.
Craft Body Scan runs on a private-pay basis and does not bill insurance, so plan to pay the $1,980 directly. Check with your plan before you assume any reimbursement. Full pricing for every scan is on our scan pricing page.
Reasons for a Virtual Colonoscopy
Here are some of the reasons for choosing a virtual colonoscopy over a conventional colonoscopy: They do not require pain medicine or anesthesia.
It can be performed in a fraction of the time.
There is less risk of potential harm to the large intestine.
How to Prepare for a Virtual Colonoscopy
Preparing for a virtual colonoscopy is similar to preparing for a conventional colonoscopy. You’ll be placed on a clear liquids-only diet for 1 or 2 days before the procedure; this will include clear broth, water, or an electrolyte solution. In order to get clear images of the colon, it must be empty. You’ll be given a laxative the day before the procedure. A detailed preparation plan will be provided prior to your appointment. Our guide on how to prepare for the scan walks through the clear-liquid day step by step.
Book Your Virtual Colonoscopy
Our low-dose scanner looks for polyps, tumors and other findings in the colon that stay silent until they are advanced.
If the results reveal evidence of diverticula, review and discuss right away with your doctor. If other parts of the abdomen present cause for concern, those abnormalities will also be addressed. However, it must be noted that some polyps are not malignant.
How Much Does a Virtual Colonoscopy Cost?
Our virtual colonoscopies cost $1,980. This cost includes an examination of the interior and exterior of the colon for abnormalities and polyps, the colonic abdominal section, and wall girth.
Should I Get a Virtual Colonoscopy?
Virtual colonoscopies are an excellent option for patients over 45 years of age. They suit people who prefer not to go under sedation, who have an allergy to anesthesia, or who have health-related issues with swelling, bleeding, or breathing problems.
What is better, a virtual colonoscopy or a conventional colonoscopy? One is not better than the other; both provide you with a colon screening to identify polyps and reduce your risk of cancer. It comes down to preference on anesthesia, comfort, and time. Some medical conditions rule out a conventional colonoscopy, and the virtual procedure is the better option there.
Is a Virtual Colonoscopy Painful?
No. A virtual colonoscopy uses no camera and no scope, so nothing travels through your colon. You stay awake the whole time.
You may feel pressure or fullness while CO2 opens the colon for imaging. That feeling fades within minutes of the scan ending. Because the tube is short and the pressure is monitored, most people describe the CT colonography itself as uncomfortable rather than painful.
No anesthesia means no recovery room and no driver. You leave when the scan is done.
Where Can I Get a Virtual Colonoscopy?
Craft Body Scan offers the virtual colonoscopy at seven locations. Austin, Charlotte, Columbus, Nashville, Raleigh, Tampa and Tulsa. Find the address, hours and phone number for the site nearest you on our scan center locations page.
We will zero in on specific parts of the colon and rectum, take detailed measurements and complete the procedure in 15 minutes or less. Because anesthesia is not used, you reduce the risk, and you’re able to drive yourself home.
Why Choose Craft Body Scan?
Having a colonoscopy is one of the least favorite things about getting older, but early detection of cancer and tumors is your best defense. So why not choose the less invasive procedure that provides clear images of your colon without anesthesia or pain medication? Drive yourself home when you’re done.
We encourage all prospective patients to sign up for our heart and lung scan special along with additional scans such as the virtual colonoscopy.
Take Control Of Your Health
With Early Detection
With a colon scan from Craft Body Scan, you can find changes earlier, when there are more options. Our non-invasive, low-dose scanner detects signs of silent killers like colon cancer and tumors, so you can act fast.
