Virtual Colonoscopy

Virtual colonoscopy (VC) is an emerging technique for colorectal polyp detection in a normal-risk screening population, in patients who have undergone incomplete colonoscopy, or patients who cannot undergo optical colonoscopy. Improvements in technology since VC's description over a decade ago have improved sensitivity for polyp detection. The current recommendations for VC technique include cathartic bowel preparation and faecal tagging, scanning with multi-detector computed tomography scanner, 2D and 3D interpretation on a dedicated viewing platform, a standardized system for reporting VC results [CT Colonography Reporting and Data System (C-RADS)], and suggesting appropriate follow-up. Given the significant learning curve for performing and interpreting VC, if this technique is to gain credibility, those who perform VC must be well-trained and must understand the limitations of VC for detection of small lesions and extra-colonic pathology. Institutional implementation of VC can be challenging. Using this less-invasive technique to increase patient compliance with colorectal polyp screening (and ultimately the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer) is the goal.