VIRTUAL COLONOSCOPY Meaning and
Definition
-
Virtual colonoscopy, also known as CT colonography, is a noninvasive medical procedure that utilizes computed tomography (CT) imaging to examine the colon and rectum for abnormal growths, such as polyps or tumors. It is an alternative to the conventional colonoscopy, which requires the insertion of a flexible tube into the rectum to visualize the colon.
During a virtual colonoscopy, the patient lies on a CT scanner table, and a small tube is gently inserted into the rectum to inflate the colon with carbon dioxide gas. The patient is then moved into the CT scanner, where a series of two-dimensional X-ray images are captured from various angles. These images are then reconstructed into a three-dimensional model of the colon using advanced computer software.
The virtual colonoscopy allows physicians to thoroughly examine the colon for any abnormalities without the need for sedation or direct insertion of a scope. It can help to detect and assess the size and location of polyps or tumors that may indicate the presence of colorectal cancer or other potential diseases. Virtual colonoscopy is considered safe and well-tolerated, with minimal discomfort and no recovery time required.
While virtual colonoscopy is a promising tool in the early detection of colorectal abnormalities, it is important to note that if polyps or suspicious lesions are found, a traditional colonoscopy may still be required to remove or biopsy them. Therefore, virtual colonoscopy should be seen as a complementary screening and diagnostic tool, rather than a substitute for a complete examination.
Common Misspellings for VIRTUAL COLONOSCOPY
- cirtual colonoscopy
- birtual colonoscopy
- girtual colonoscopy
- firtual colonoscopy
- vurtual colonoscopy
- vjrtual colonoscopy
- vkrtual colonoscopy
- vortual colonoscopy
- v9rtual colonoscopy
- v8rtual colonoscopy
- vietual colonoscopy
- vidtual colonoscopy
- viftual colonoscopy
- vittual colonoscopy
- vi5tual colonoscopy
- vi4tual colonoscopy
- virrual colonoscopy
- virfual colonoscopy
- virgual colonoscopy
- viryual colonoscopy
Etymology of VIRTUAL COLONOSCOPY
The word "Virtual Colonoscopy" is a compound term consisting of two parts: "Virtual" and "Colonoscopy".
1. Virtual: The term "virtual" originated from the Latin word "virtus", meaning "excellence" or "efficacy". It was later adopted into medieval Latin as "virtualis", meaning "pertaining to power or efficacy". In the 14th century, it entered the English language with the sense of "in essence or effect, though not in fact or reality". Over time, "virtual" came to refer to things that are simulated or reproduced by computer technology, which is the sense used in "Virtual Colonoscopy".
2. Colonoscopy: The term "colonoscopy" is derived from the combination of two Greek words, "kolon" meaning "colon" and "skopein" meaning "to see or examine".
