What to expect from the procedure
In the Virtual Colonoscopy, also known as CT Colonoscopy, a CT scanner is used to produce two and three dimensional images of the entire large bowel, which usually includes a virtual “fly-through”, or map, of the entire colon.
Before the procedure
One week prior to your appointment, you will need to go the hospital to pick up your preparation kit. This kit will include barium and telebrix (two types of oral contrast agents). Barium coats any residual stool, while the telebrix coats any residual fluid.
You must follow the instructions attached with your appointment letter.
Find out more about bowel preparation in the FAQs.
During the procedure
You should arrive at the hospital for your virtual colonoscopy 20 minutes before your scheduled appointment. By this point your bowels should be completely cleansed.
The average examination takes approximately 30 minutes. When the procedure begins:
- You will be asked to lie down on your back on the CT scanner;
- The technologist will insert a short rectal catheter into your rectum which releases CO2 to help distend your bowels;
- A muscle relaxant may be injected to avoid bowel spasms;
- You will be asked to lie in different positions to distribute the gas through the entire bowel;
- CT imaging of your abdomen will be taken;
- Once the imaging is complete, the short rectal catheter is removed.
Watch a video of virtual colonoscopy 3-D "fly-through"
After the procedure
Once the procedure is completed you are able to continue with your normal daily routine. The radiologists will analyze the pictures with special software 
and send the report directly to your referring physician.
In some circumstances we may offer same-day endoscopy if an abnormality is detected on your CT study. This would mean we would ask for your contact details for a two-hour period after the examination. As the bowel needs to remain clean while we are analyzing the data, we would also ask you not to eat for that period.
Most patients feel comfortable enough to return to normal activities (e.g. go to work ) after the procedure. You will be able to eat and drink normally.
If you have ingested the oral tagging (barium) it is normal for your stools to be chalky or white for a few weeks after the test.
You should contact your referring physician to discuss the results of your procedure.
