title: Virtual colonoscopy: technique and accuracy.
abstract: Virtual colonoscopy (VC) has acquired an important role in evaluation of the colon. In some situations it may be a safer method to visualize the colon effectively, or it may be the only available option when other techniques have failed. This article reviews state-of-the art VC technique and the results of current performance trials. It discusses the rationale for using various colonic cleansing regimens for VC. It also discusses the two distending agents for VC (room air and carbon dioxide) and presents practical tips for administration and the role of antispasmodic drugs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of California in San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Ave., San Francisco, CA 94143, USA. luis.landeras@va.gov
authors.forename: Luis A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Landeras
authors.forename: Rizwan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Aslam
authors.forename: Judy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Yee
mesh_terms: D000388:Air; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D002400:Cathartics / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D023881:Colonography, Computed Tomographic / Q000379:methods*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D010276:Parasympatholytics / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011187:Posture
chemical_list: D002400:Cathartics; D010276:Parasympatholytics; D002245:Carbon Dioxide