A procedure that links computed tomography of the colon with techniques that produce three-dimensional views of the mucosa of the large bowel similar to those obtained during traditional colonoscopy. Early experience suggests that the new technique produces better results than barium enemas and is almost as effective as conventional colonoscopy. Virtual colonoscopy offers faster results, and image analysis will probably soon be automated. The procedure is easy, non-invasive, safe and complete; once the need for bowel cleansing is eliminated (as seems likely) it will provide a prominent tool in screening for cancer of the colon and rectum.
An advanced and noninvasive technique for examining the colon and rectum, known as computed tomography (CT) scanning, has emerged. This method, also referred to as CT colonography, captures detailed images of the internal structures without the need for invasive procedures such as traditional colonoscopy.