Virtual colonoscopy--technique and applications.

Abstract

Virtual colonoscopy is a new method for evaluating the colon which uses thin section computed tomography of the clean air distended colon. The acquired computed tomography data is then subjected to computer manipulation to demonstrate the colonic mucosa. It is a safe, non-invasive, well-tolerated method that has potential as a method of colorectal cancer screening. This review will describe the technique, review preliminary results, and discuss the present and future applications of this technique.