Virtual Colonoscopy - CT scan: any in Chiang Mai?

[bsnyder]

Hi,

 

Rather than the expensive and invasive colonoscopy it looks like a Virtual Colonoscopy - CT scan

might suffice. I wonder if the latest generation sonogram would provide the information

needed by the right doctor. Would a Fecal Immunochemical Test cover the bases?

 

I live in Chiang Mai and wonder if anyone has tried these services here in lieu of a colonoscopy?

Or do I need to go to Bumrungrad in Bangkok?

 

Thanks in advance for your help!

[Sheryl]

https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1060317-colonoscopy-virtual-where/

 

You ought to be able to get CT colonoscopy ("virtual colonoscopy") at most of the hospitals in CM e.g. Lanna,  Ram etc.

 

It is not completely noninvasive, an enema is involved, may be liquid or gas but they have to pump up and distend your colon with something. I would personally far prefer a colonoscopy just in terms of comfort. Colonoscopy is a totally painless procedure as they put you to sleep.

 

C T colonoscopy is not quite equal to an actual colonoscopy  in accuracy of detecting, actual colonoscopy remains the "gold standard".  If any polyps/growths are seen they will then still have to do a conventional colonoscopy anyhow to remove them.

 

I'm not sure Fecal Immunochemical Test is available here and in any case it most definitely does not cover all bases...it tests only for the presence of blood in the intestine so negative result does not rule out cancer and positive result can be from many causes...and if positive they still have to do a colonoscopy

[CMoldie]

I have had abdominal CT scans (subtractive imaging, with and without contrast medium) and also colonoscopies done at Sriphat Medical Centre,  and the price difference is small. If anything, the CT scan will cost a little more and definitely so if you factor in a proportion of the cost of an actual colonoscopy for those cases when a biopsy is is revealed to be necessary by the CT scan.

I personally would always opt for the colonoscopy, mostly because I don't want any unnecessary exposure to x-rays - and the exposure from an abdominal x-ray is quite high, even with the most modern equipment.

Why don't you discuss it with a specialist? There is a gastrointestinal unit (which includes a new endoscopy unit) at the new Medical Excellence Centre of Sriphat which is not in the main building, but opposite Suan Dok Park (where the McDonalds on Suthep Road is)

https://goo.gl/maps/n9WEbYhQqx7DFpLj6

There is also a Medical Imaging Unit there, but I don't know if it has a CT machine yet. All of my CT's were done in the imaging unit in Maharaj.

You could maybe consult with Dr Nithi Thinrungroj, who is at the Excellence Centre every Friday, and discuss the options with him. English speaking, trained abroad and recently returned from an advanced colonoscopy course in Japan.

[couchpotato]

I made the virtual mistake. It is really really uncomfortable due to the enema. You are awake and feel it all.

The normal colonoscopy is under anesthetic and you wake up an hour later and all done. Plus they can remove anything at the time.

But the thing is with the virtual if they find any polyps etc, then you must have the normal colonoscopy to remove them...so you are paying double and double hospital visits.

So for me it's a no brainer.

I think you'd probably pay about 15k for both types.

[lopburi3]

23 minutes ago, couchpotato said:

I made the virtual mistake. It is really really uncomfortable due to the enema. You are awake and feel it all.

The normal colonoscopy is under anesthetic and you wake up an hour later and all done. Plus they can remove anything at the time.

But the thing is with the virtual if they find any polyps etc, then you must have the normal colonoscopy to remove them...so you are paying double and double hospital visits.

So for me it's a no brainer.

I think you'd probably pay about 15k for both types.

Actually I have had as additional cancer test along with abdomen contrast CT and have not found them that uncomfortable but you do have to try and hold it for awhile so not really pleasant and a quick exit stage left to CR when over.  But CT would not be my choice alone unless required for other checks.

1.  CT involves higher levels of radiation than you want if not required.

2.  CT would not allow removal/testing so if anything suspect additional procedure will likely be required.

3.  CT enema can be embarrassing, even if not painful. 

4.  Save your radiation exposure chits to when required.