A virtual colonoscopy(also called CT Colonography) is a newer test.
CT Colonography is known in full as computerised tomography
Colonography(sometimes the word computed is used instead of computerised).
CT Colonography can provide information about the colon that would
usually only be obtainable by doing a colonoscopy.
Computed tomographic(CT) Colonography can also be used as an alternative if the
local radiology service can demonstrate competency in this technique.
If you are referred to hospital,
this might result in a colonoscopy or CT Colonography to look at the bowel in detail.
CT Colonography is less invasive than a colonoscopy because the test
does not involve inserting a tube all the way around the colon.
Pregnant women, if possible, should not have CT Colonography, as there is a small risk that X-rays may
cause an abnormality to the unborn child.
CT Colonography is often used in people who are
too frail to have a colonoscopy, or if there are other reasons why a colonoscopy would not be suitable.