Virtual Colonoscopy
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 30, 2025.
A virtual colonoscopy is a type of x-ray test to examine the inside of your colon (large intestine). Healthcare providers use a CT scan or MRI to take pictures of your colon from outside your body. This procedure may be used to check for polyps (growths) or cancer. The size of a polyp may also be monitored. You may need this procedure to check if colorectal cancer has come back after you had treatment. A virtual colonoscopy may be used if you are not able to have a regular colonoscopy.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Seek care immediately if:
- Your abdomen becomes tender and hard.
- You have sudden trouble breathing.
- You are dizzy or weak.
- You have severe pain anywhere in your abdomen.
- Your vomit has blood in it.
- You develop a rash or hives.
Related medications
Procrit
Procrit is a man-made protein used to treat anemia caused by chronic kidney disease, chemotherapy ...
Lialda
Lialda (mesalamine) is used to treat ulcerative colitis, proctitis and proctosigmoiditis. Includes ...
Botox
Botox is used cosmetically to reduce facial lines and wrinkles and for medical purposes for ...
Humira
Humira is a tumor necrosis factor blocker used to treat many inflammatory conditions in adults ...
Budesonide
Oral budesonide is used to treat the following conditions with inflammation as a symptom ...
Vasopressin
Vasopressin is used for abdominal distension prior to abdominal x-ray, abdominal radiological ...
Multivitamin with iron
Multivitamin with iron is used for anemia, vitamin/mineral supplementation and deficiency
Gabapentin
Gabapentin is an anti-epileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant. It is used to treat some types ...
Tramadol
Tramadol is an opioid medication that may be used to treat moderate to moderately severe chronic ...
Mesalamine
Mesalamine is used to treat mild to moderate ulcerative colitis and prevent the symptoms of ...
Call your doctor if:
- You feel full, bloated, or are not able to have a bowel movement.
- Your bowel movements are black or have blood in them, or you are bleeding from your anus.
- You have a fever within 24 hours of your procedure.
- You have nausea or are vomiting.
- You have problems having a bowel movement or urinating.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Help prevent constipation:
- Eat a variety of healthy foods. Healthy foods include fruit, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meat, and fish. Ask if you need to be on a special diet. Your healthcare provider may recommend that you eat high-fiber foods such as cooked beans. Fiber helps you have regular bowel movements.
- Drink liquids as directed. Adults should drink between 9 and 13 eight-ounce cups of liquid every day. Ask what amount is best for you. For most people, good liquids to drink are water, juice, and milk.
- Exercise as directed. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best exercise plan for you. Exercise can help prevent constipation, decrease your blood pressure and improve your health.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
© Copyright Merative 2025 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.