Preventive Exams






Diagnostic Exams

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer related death in the United States.  With proper screening, colorectal cancer may be prevented.  Since polyps can take years before becoming cancerous using 64 slice CT technology, Heart Savers offers a new technique called Virtual Colonoscopy (VC) for the early detection of polyps. 

Virtual Colonoscopy is less invasive and safer than the traditional method. Unlike the traditional colonoscopy, the Virtual Colonoscopy requires no sedation and eliminates some of the discomfort normally associated with the other procedure. After bowel preparation, hundreds of cross-sectional images of the abdomen are obtained by 64 CT technology to render a 3D picture of the colon. A virtual fly through of the colon is then viewed by our board certified radiologist.

It has been recommended, for many years, to have the colon examined beginning at age 50. The report from the National Institute of Cancer dated August 2005 stated that Virtual Colonoscopy is an effective method to screen the colon.  

• Most physicians agree that everyone older than 50 years should be screened for polyps.

• Screening is especially important if you are at increased risk of developing colon cancer. This is the case if you have had polyps in the past, have a family history of colon cancer, or have blood in your stool.

• CT Colonoscopy is a less invasive option for patients who do not wish to have colonoscopy, which involves inserting a flexible tube into the colon to view the bowel wall.

• CT Colonoscopy is an excellent alternative for patients who have clinical factors that increase the risk of complications from colonoscopy, such as treatment with a blood thinner or a severe breathing problem.

• Elderly patients, especially those who are frail or ill, will tolerate CT Colonoscopy better than conventional colonoscopy.

• CT Colonoscopy can be helpful when colonoscopy cannot be completed because the bowel is narrowed or obstructed for any reason, such as by a large tumor.

• If conventional colonoscopy cannot reach the full length of the colon—which occurs up to 10 percent of the time—CT Colonoscopy can be performed on the same day because the colon has already been cleansed.