CRL Imaging
Comfort. Consultation. Care.
CRL Imaging delivers quality outpatient radiology services in three
convenient locations. We collaborate with referring physicians to
provide timely patient diagnoses, appropriate interventions and innovative
treatments. The CRL Imaging centers in Edina, Plymouth,
and Southdale offer
an array of imaging services such as MRI,
CT
scans, mammography, general
x-ray, ultrasound, bone
density scans, fluoroscopy, nuclear
medicine, and
pain
management injections.
CRL Imaging offers same-day appointments, a comfortable environment and quality staff that will take care of your needs. Contact us to find out more about your appointment.
Virtual Colonoscopy
Seeing Inside
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths
in the United States. Most colorectal cancers start as polyps - benign
(non-cancerous) growths on the inner wall of the rectum and colon.
Polyps develop slowly and can remain harmless for a long time before
becoming aggressive cancer. Polyps, when detected, can be removed
preventatively.
Currently, doctors recommend that everyone be
screened for colon cancer starting at age 50.
Virtual Colonoscopy (VC) allows for the evaluation of the entire surface of the colon for polyps and cancers.
It was first introduced in 1994 as an alternative to traditional colonoscopy. VC uses x rays and computers to produce two and three-dimensional images of the colon (large intestine) from the lowest part, the rectum, all the way to the lower end of the small intestine and display them on a screen. The procedure is used to diagnose colon and bowel disease, including polyps, diverticulosis, and cancer. VC can be performed with computed tomography (CT), sometimes called a CAT scan, or with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
About the Procedure
VC is more comfortable than conventional colonoscopy for some people because it does not use a colonoscope. As a result, no sedation is needed, and you can return to your usual activities or go home after the procedure without the aid of another person. VC provides clearer, more detailed images than a conventional x ray using a barium enema, sometimes called a lower gastrointestinal (GI) series. It also takes less time than either a conventional colonoscopy or a lower GI series.
Preparation
Because a clean and empty colon is necessary, you will be asked to prepare for the exam the day before it is scheduled.
The preparation consists of magnesium citrate and 4 bisacodyl tablets the day before the exam and a bisacodyl suppository the morning of the exam.
Arrangements to receive the preparation will be made when the appointment is scheduled.
During the Procedure
A VC examination takes about 15-20 minutes and does not require sedatives. During the procedure,
• A thin tube will be inserted into your rectum, and air will be pumped through the tube to inflate the colon for better viewing.
• The technologist will ask you to lie on your back on a table for the first portion of your exam.
• The table moves through the scanner to produce a series of two-dimensional cross-sections along the length of the colon. A computer program puts these images together to create a three-dimensional picture that can be viewed on the video screen.
• You will be asked to hold your breath during the scan to avoid distortion on the images.
• The scanning procedure is then repeated with you lying on your stomach.
After the Procedure
You may resume normal activities.
Follow-up
A board certified Radiologist from CRL Imaging will interpret the scan and relate a written report of the information to either your referring physician or to you directly, depending on your preference, within 24 hours.
Anything needing immediate attention will be called to the referring physician the day of the exam.
