Early Detection of Colon Cancer

When is a colonoscopy sensible?

Early detection of cancer of the colon through a virtual colonoscopy is motivated when:

there is colon cancer in the family
• a polyp is already diagnosed
• blood in the stool
• unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
• when men or women reach the age of 45

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How should I prepare for the examination?

As is the case with conventional endoscopy, the painless Virtual MRI Colonoscopy also necessitates the emptying of the bowels. You will receive specific instructions from us.
The magnetic field created by the examination device attracts all metals or objects containing metals, including prostheses, implants such as screws and plates, jewellery, hairpins, eyeglasses, hearing aids and coins. To the degree possible, these items must be left in the change room. More recently produced prostheses and implants do not contain such metals and are therefore compatible with the examination.
Metal parts inside the body, which cannot be removed, such as metal splinters, could shift inside the patient and, depending on the location, may cause injury.
Red colours used in tattoos and permanent eyeliners could contain ferric oxide and may therefore heat up during the examination.
You may eat or drink normally before the examination. Patients who fear becoming claustrophobic in the MRI device may request a sedative. In such cases, the patient must be accompanied to ensure a safe journey home.

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When can an MRI not be done?

Absolute contra-indications against an MRI examination are all electronic implants, e.g. pacemaker, neuro-stimulator (spinal or cerebral), subcutaneously implanted insulin pumps, Cochlea implants, older middle-ear implants. (Teflon and gold implants are no problem.)
Extra caution is needed for intra-operatively installed metal clips and all types of) artificial heart valves. Under certain circumstances we require a copy of the surgical report, which contains a precise description of the implanted materials.
Early pregnancy (3 months) is usually a contra-indication.
Should you not qualify for an MRI, computer tomography is available as an alternative in most cases.
We are available to deal with questions in this area.

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How will the examination be done?

The x-ray assistant positions the patient comfortably on the examination table, situating the area to be examined in a coil, which serves as a transmitter and receiver of radio waves. Then, for the examination of the colon, the physician carefully inserts a narrow tube into the bowels, through which water flows into your colon.
Since the imaging sequences create considerable noise, the patient is fitted with a headset. An emergency ball is placed in the patient?s hand, with which he or she can stop the examination instantly in case of an emergency. The patient and the x-ray technician can communicate by intercom at any time and the examination team always has full view of the patient.
An examination usually lasts about 15 minutes.
Occasionally a contrasting agent is injected into an arm vein during the examination, to strengthen the colour contrast between the blood vessels and the surrounding tissue.
After the examination you may resume your normal activities.

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What do I feel during the examination?

The examination is completely painless.
During the imaging a knocking sound can be heard. The tight position in the scanning device is somewhat unpleasant, therefore we recommend you keep your eyes closed and try to relax. We of course try to keep the time to the minimum, as facilitated by the state-of-the-art technology.

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Who assesses the examination results?

The radiologist assesses the scanned images at a special workstation and creates a report of the results.
Since the assessment is extensive, the results are not, immediately communicated, as would normally be the case. A new appointment should be made for a personal discussion with the physician.

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What are the advantages compared to the risks?

Advantages: The conventional endoscopy is without a doubt a very effective method, however, many patients refuse it because it is painful, requires sedation and in most cases the loss of an entire workday. The conventional radiology examination of the small intestines is also time-consuming and requires x-rays. In contrast, an MRI is completely non-intrusive and takes much less time, so that the rest of the day can be planned as usual.

Risks: No side effects of the MRI are known.
The examination may be problematic for a claustrophobic person.
MRI should be avoided during the first three months of pregnancy. During this time an ultrasound is preferable.

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What to do if claustrophobic?

For claustrophobic patients we are now offering the Open MRI.

For more information about Open MRI, please click here.

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Where are the limitations of an MRI?

As with computer tomography, an MRI cannot definitively differentiate between tumours and for instance changes in inflammations. In such cases a further fine-tissue scan (histology) would likely be required.

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