| Virtual
Colonoscopy
What
is the procedure?
A very sophisticated
method of examining the colon for polyps without the need for
anesthesia or introducing instruments into the colon. CAT Scan
technology is merged with very complex computer programs to produce
3D images of the inside of the colon.
The
day before the exam:
Drink only CLEAR LIQUIDS* for Breakfast,
Lunch
and Dinner.
You
will have to take
VISICOL TABLETS to cleanse your colon prior to
the procedure.
VISICOL
TABLETS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE WITH A PRESCRIPTION FROM OUR
OFFICE.
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At 6:00 PM |
|
Take
4 Visicol tablets with at least 8 ounces of clear liquid, preferably
ginger ale (diet or regular) every 15 minutes. Last glass should
be with ginger ale, for a total of 20 Visicol tablets.
|
The day of the exam:
PLEASE HAVE NOTHING
TO EAT OR DRINK AT ALL!!! Take
all necessary medications (such as blood pressure and cardiac
medications) with a sip of water.
| |
At
6:00 AM
(or
at least 3 to 5 hours before you leave for your appointment)
|
|
Take
4 Visicol tablets with at least 8 ounces of clear liquid,
every 15 minutes, for a total of 8 Visicol tablets. The final
glass of liquid should be ginger ale (diet or regular). DO
NOT EXCEED 8 TABLETS. |
For
each of your two dosing regimens, record the Visicol tablets
you have taken. Begin recording the start time of Dose 1 and continue
documenting until completed so as not to lose track of dosage.
Be sure to have a watch/clock nearby.
Clear
liquids that are allowed the day before the exam:
| |
•
Water |
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• Apple Juice |
| |
•
Seltzer |
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• Bouillion |
| |
•
White Grape Juice |
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• Sprite |
| |
•
Ginger Ale |
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• Gatorade |
| |
•
7-UP |
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• Ice
Pops |
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•
Club Soda |
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•
Tea |
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•
Black Coffee |
| |
•
NO MILK OR MILK PRODUCTS |
| |
•
NO SOLID FOODS |
How
long should it take?
The
exam takes only about ten minutes.
During
the exam:
A small tube will be
place in your rectum and air (NO INSTRUMENTS!) will be introduced
into your colon. You will probably feel distended for few minutes
while the pictures are taken. Pictures are taken with you on your
back and again on your stomach. You will have to hold your breath
for about 20 seconds while the pictures are obtained.
After
the exam:
The tube will be removed
and you will go to the bathroom to expel the air. There are no
limitations the rest of the day. You may immediately resume normal
diet and activity. Your Doctor will receive the results in 24
– 48 hours.
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