Virtual Colonoscopy

Summary Virtual colonoscopy (VC) is an emerging technique for colorectal polyp detection in a normal‐risk screening population, in patients who have undergone incomplete colonoscopy, or patients who cannot undergo optical colonoscopy. Improvements in technology since VC's description over a decade ago have improved sensitivity for polyp detection. The current recommendations for VC technique include cathartic bowel preparation and faecal tagging, scanning with multi‐detector computed tomography scanner, 2D and 3D interpretation on a dedicated viewing platform, a standardized system for reporting VC results [CT Colonography Reporting and Data System (C‐RADS)], and suggesting appropriate follow‐up. Given the significant learning curve for performing and interpreting VC, if this technique is to gain credibility, those who perform VC must be well‐trained and must understand the limitations of VC for detection of small lesions and extra‐colonic pathology. Institutional implementation of VC can be challenging. Using this less‐invasive technique to increase patient compliance with colorectal polyp screening (and ultimately the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer) is the goal.