Virtual Colonoscopy Services in Santa Monica & Beverly Hills

Exams

With the latest cutting-edge technology screening for colorectal cancer and other abnormalities has never been easier and more comfortable for our patients. LSG Imaging is proud to offer this innovative technology to our patients, making the screening process much easier.

Virtual Colonoscopy (VC), also known as Computed Tomographic Colonoscopy (CTC), is a non-invasive procedure when compared to traditional colonoscopy screenings. No anesthesia is required, the examination lasts 10-15 minutes, and afterwards, a patient can return to their daily routine in as little as 30 minutes. The results will generally be provided immediately after the examination.

Recent recommendations suggest starting colon screening at the age of 45 rather than 50.

Please visit our Patient Center to download and fill out the virtual colonoscopy history and prep sheet ahead of your appointment with us.

How it Works

A soft, rubber catheter is inserted into the rectum and the colon is inflated with carbon dioxide (CO2), rather than room air, causing minimal abdominal discomfort. There is no post-procedural bloating or gassiness; this is because the CO2 is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and exhaled.
It is for the reasons mentioned above that our practice continues to be respected by patients and referring physicians alike.

What are the Benefits of VC Compared to a Traditional Colonoscopy?

As mentioned above, it is a minimally invasive procedure, causing less pain and discomfort and the patient can return to their daily routine after as little as 30 minutes afterward. There’s also an extremely low dose of radiation involved.

But there are also other proven benefits, like:

Taking Anti-Coagulants (Blood Thinners) is OK

If you’re taking a blood thinner, there’s no need to discontinue their use before the procedure, as opposed to traditional colonoscopies.

No Risk of Infection

Traditional colonoscopy uses the colonoscope repeatedly with sterilization between exams. VC uses a disposable tube one time only.

Bowel perforation is extremely rare, compared to conventional colonoscopy.

Due to the use of the flexible, rubber tubing in the VC procedure, combined with our use of CO2 gas, we haven’t had a single case of bowel perforation in our patients. However, with conventional colonoscopy, there is a 1/500 to 1/1,000 chance of bowel perforation. This can lead to costly and unnecessary surgery, pain and discomfort; in fact, there over one thousand patient deaths each year in the United States due to complications from traditional colonoscopy.

Increased Visibility

In addition to visualization of the entire colon, which is not always possible with conventional colonoscopy, VC also allows the radiologist to evaluate other structures in the lower chest, abdomen, and pelvis. Contact one of our offices to learn more about virtual colonoscopy today.

Polyp Removal

Only a small minority of VC patients (6%) will require a subsequent therapeutic traditional colonoscopy (OC) to remove a polyp. If the patient so wishes, they can be sent for polyp removal on the same day following the VC examination*.

*Same day polyp removie is not applicable while COVID restrictions are in place.

INDICATIONS FOR VIRTUAL COLONOSCOPY

Screening of all individuals with low risk (less than 3 first-degree relatives) of colorectal cancer that are over the age of 45.
Screening of patients with a positive family history.
Screening of patients at increased risk for traditional colonoscopy (OC).
Incomplete or failed colonoscopy.
Patients on blood thinners do not have to discontinue their medication prior to this exam.
Patients who have had previous abdominal and pelvic surgery.
Patients 70 years and older with an increased risk from anesthesia.

Some patients may not be able to undergo VC, including:

Those with inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s Disease.
Any symptomatic acute colitis.
Recent biopsy or polyp removal.
Acute diverticulitis (must wait 6-8 weeks).
Recent colorectal surgery.
Known or suspected perforation of colon.

If you are interested in learning more about VC and how it works

LSG Imaging would be happy to further inform you. You can contact our team today by visiting us online or calling (310) 859-8104 (Beverly Hills) or (310) 394-2761 (Santa Monica).

To prepare for your appointment, please visit our patient portal, where you can find more information about our privacy policy and how to prepare for specific procedures.