Photo By Staff Sgt. Danielle Bolton | Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Rose, the CT Division officer and Rebecca McDade, a Terarecon...... read more read more
CAMP LEJEUNE, NC – Colorectal cancer is the third most common diagnosed cancer in the world and the second leading cause of cancer death, according to the American Cancer Society. Although early detection and removal of polyps can lower the risk of cancer forming, many go without screenings because it can be uncomfortable and time consuming. A new, quick and less-invasive technique offered at Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune makes it easier than ever for individuals over the age of 50 to be screened.
Virtual colonoscopy is a low-dose computerized tomography scan, which combines many X-ray images with the aid of a computer to generate cross-sectional views, that allow the reviewer to look for polyps in the colon said Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Rose, the CT Division officer. It uses differences in contrast to show a three dimensional colon.
With colon cancer being so preventable, it begs the question, why are more people not getting a colonoscopy?
“Often people avoid getting the screening. It makes them uncomfortable, and it takes a lot of time,” said Mark Butler, 54, a retired senior chief petty officer, about the invasive procedure that only takes 30 to 40 minutes, but requires preparation and recovery time. He explained he had several appointments and a day to recover from anesthesia.
A regular colonoscopy can involve heavy sedation and a colonoscope fed through the rectum and weaved along the large intestines. The scope has a small video camera attached that allows the doctor to visually inspect the colon lining, explained Butler. If during the procedure a polyp or mass is found the doctor can remove it or take samples for biopsy.
“It was frustrating to having to go over the same information over and over again,” said Butler, the NHCL Radiology Clinic manager. “It makes for a long process.”
The day of his regular colonoscopy appointment he had to check in by 6 a.m. He did paperwork to get checked into the hospital. He had an IV started. He talked to the anesthesiologist, who manages the level of consciousness during the procedure.
At 11 a.m. he was given medication for conscience sedation. The procedure took about 30 minutes. Once he was done, his wife who had to accompany him drove him home to recover. A few weeks later, Butler had to go back to the performing gastroenterologist for the results.
The new procedure replaces multiple appointments, heavy sedation and the colonoscope for a short 30 minute intake screening to ensure the individual is a candidate for virtual colonoscopy, according to Rose.
Individuals 50 to 75 years of age, who are considered low to medium risk for colon cancer, are prime candidates for the technique. If found qualified, the individual receives a procedure date about a week later and prescriptions.
Like the regular colonoscopy, the virtual requires a similar bowl preparation the day before, Rose explained. This clear liquid diet helps to clean out the colon and identifies the remaining stool for imaging so that it can be distinguished from polyps.
The next day, the individual can arrive alone for their appointment; they change into a robe and are ready to be scanned. Once they are in the CT room, a small pencil size tube is inserted a few inches into the rectum and air fills the colon to allow for a clean image, said Rose.
“Today was so much easier,” explained Butler, who opted to have the procedure so that he could speak to patients first-hand. “I checked in for my appointment at 9 a.m., and was dressed and walking out the door by 9:45 a.m.”
Once complete one of two trained radiologists review the results. If something is found, the results are sent to the individual’s primary care manager who schedules an appointment.
While this will not replace the colonoscopy, Rose explains that he hopes this will encourage retirees to get checked out sooner.
“This is another method for individuals to get screened and there is a lot of potential for growth,” said Rose. “There have been instances where virtual colonoscopy scans have picked up other things too. Kidney cancers have been found in early stages.”
According to the Colon Cancer Alliance website, 40 percent of colon cancers are found confined to the colon or rectum, while 36 percent are found in the surrounding tissue and 20 percent are found spread to distant organs.
“Early detection is imperative. I can’t stress it enough,” said Butler. “I wish everyone would get screened as soon as they turned 50. If they did those numbers might be better.”
To schedule an appointment today visit your primary care doctor for a referral.
| Date Taken: | 05.09.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 05.09.2016 16:42 |
| Story ID: | 197714 |
| Location: | CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 370 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Virtual Colonoscopies Now Available at NHCL, by SSgt Danielle Bolton, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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