Virtual Colonoscopy

Saddleback Memorial Medical Center offers a variety of health screening opportunities using the GE Lightspeed 64-row Multi-slice CT scanner. This “Lightspeed” technology allows for fast, accurate scans of the body that can pinpoint areas of concern before they become a problem.

What is virtual colonoscopy?
Colon cancer is commonly curable if detected early. A “virtual” colonoscopy is similar to a standard colonoscopy except it is much less invasive (only requires gentle passage of air into the colon), faster and requires no sedation. Studies have suggested virtual colonoscopy is arguably as effective as conventional colonoscopy at detecting significant polyps and masses. Virtual colonoscopy may be a
useful adjunct to your current colon cancer screening offered by your physician.

Who should have a virtual colonoscopy?
Generally, people who are over the age of 50 years or have an increased risk of colon cancer should be screened for colon cancer every 3 to 5 years. Examples of an increased risk of colon cancer may include a prior history of polyps, fecal occult blood, or a family history of colon cancer.

For more information on virtual colonoscopy, please contact your physician.
If you need a physician in the south Orange County area, please call our physician
referral service at (949) 452-7255.