Is Colon Hydrotherapy a good way to prepare for a Colonoscopy?

Colon Hydrotherapy is an excellent way to prepare for a colonoscopy and we have helped many people prepare for them comfortably! Colon Hydrotherapy is far more pleasant, dignified and thorough than using the fleet enemas.

With Colon Cancer being the #2 cause of death in the U.S., we are very supportive of people undergoing a colonoscopy.. Most people dread them because of the scope, and the anesthesia and the infamous “ready go lightly” drink.

Now for some Good News!

For a Colonoscopy, we suggest our clients consider a VIRTUAL COLONOSCOPY - CT DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING CENTER. This is because a virtual colonoscopy uses NO SCOPE and NO ANESTHESIA and NO “Ready-Go-Lightly" drink!

The Virtual Colonoscopy gives you a complete 3D view of the colon thoroughly examining the inside as well as the shape of the colon.

Non-Invasive, Painless and No After Effects.

Virtual colonoscopy is a new method that allows doctors to look at the large bowel (colon) to detect polyps and cancers. Polyps are small growths in the colon that may become cancerous if they are not removed.

Virtual colonoscopy is a recently developed technique that uses a CT scanner and computer virtual reality software to look inside the body without having to insert a long tube (as with a conventional colonoscopy) into the colon or without having to fill the colon with liquid barium (Barium Enema).

Research performed at Boston University and elsewhere has shown that Virtual Colonoscopy is better able to see polyps than Barium Enema and is nearly as accurate as Conventional Colonoscopy. In addition, most patients report that the Virtual Colonoscopy technique is more comfortable than either Barium Enema or Conventional Colonoscopy.

How is Virtual Colonoscopy done?

Virtual colonoscopy uses a standard computed tomography (CT or CAT scan) of the abdomen, which allows radiologists (special physicians with advanced training in x-ray imaging) to create pictures on the computer that look similar to those seen by Conventional Colonoscopy. Patients need a cleansing preparation of their bowel prior to the test. The day of the test, they come to the radiology department for a CT scan.

The actual virtual colonoscopy procedure will begin by having a small flexible rubber tube placed in the rectum, so that air can be introduced. A CAT scan is then performed while patients lie comfortably on their back and then on their stomach. The total time required for the study is approximately 10-20 minutes. Because sedation is not required, patients are free to leave the CT suite immediately without the need for observation or recovery. Patients can resume normal activities immediately after the procedure and can eat, work or drive without a delay.

Doctors (radiologists) analyze the CT data to detect colon polyps or cancers. The only complaint I hear about Virtual Colonoscopy is that if a polyp is detected, then a procedure will have to be performed later to remove the polyp that could have been “taken care of” during the conventional colonoscopy. My opinion is, “Cross that bridge when you get there”. Not everyone has polyps. Why put a scope all 5 plus feet of the colon to find a polyp that may be only in the first few inches? If a polyp is detected during the Virtual Colonoscopy, they will only have to go in ONLY that far during the second procedure to remove it. In my opinion, it might be worth the cost and time for a second procedure since a Virtual Colonoscopy offers less risk of perforation.

When you schedule your appointment for a Virtual Colonoscopy (only 30 minutes), they will give you an easy to follow protocol to best prepare for your virtual colonoscopy. (We will be happy to provide you a list of these centers during your first session). Below are Excellent Views from a Virtual Colonoscopy (Notice the abnormal shape and twisting of the colon. A conventional colonoscopy does not show the shape of the colon.)

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