Virtual Colonoscopy Could Become Widespread : Most of the obstacles to using this noninvasive screening technique have been addressed.

Greater patient discomfort associated with colon inflation during virtual colonoscopy is another potential limitation. However, discomfort most often arises from the use of room air to insufflate the colon, Dr. Heiken noted. The use of CO2 is more comfortable for the patient and the gas is more quickly reabsorbed by the body.

This sagittal image of a rectosigmoid polyp was made with a 16-row scanner.

The same polyp is displayed in an endoluminal view by using a 3-D format. Photos courtesy Dr. Jay P. Heiken