Virtual Colonoscopy (CT Colonography)

CT colonography — non-invasive examination of the entire colon and rectum using air distension and CT imaging to detect polyps and colorectal cancer. 87,000 HUF (≈€218).

Virtual colonoscopy (CT colonography) at Buda Health Center provides a non-invasive alternative to conventional optical colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening and polyp detection. At 87,000 HUF (approximately €218) without additional contrast, or 117,000 HUF (approximately €293) with intravenous contrast, the examination uses low-radiation CT imaging of the air-distended colon to produce three-dimensional endoluminal views of the mucosal surface. Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in Europe, and early detection of adenomatous polyps before they become malignant is the principal goal of screening programmes. CT colonography provides a technically accurate, patient-friendly route to this goal without sedation or flexible endoscope insertion. The examination does require bowel preparation similar to optical colonoscopy — dietary restriction the day before and laxative purging to empty the colon. On arrival, the patient undergoes rectal insufflation of CO₂ gas to distend the colon walls. The patient is scanned in both supine and prone positions over approximately 15–20 minutes in the scanner. Changing positions helps redistribute any residual fluid that might obscure mucosal detail and improves lesion detection coverage. CT colonography has sensitivity comparable to optical colonoscopy for detecting polyps of 6mm or larger — the clinically relevant threshold above which polypectomy is generally recommended. Significant advantages over optical colonoscopy include the absence of intravenous sedation, no risk of bowel perforation from instrument advancement, reliable completion of the full colonic length even in patients with previous incomplete optical exams due to anatomy or technical difficulty, and simultaneous visualisation of extracolonic structures including abdominal organs, lymph nodes, and the pelvic floor — incidental findings that occasionally turn out to be clinically significant. The key limitation relative to optical colonoscopy is the inability to biopsy suspicious areas or remove polyps during the same session — a positive CT colonography finding requires follow-up optical colonoscopy for tissue sampling and polypectomy. CT colonography is therefore well positioned as a first-step screening investigation or as the primary alternative for patients who cannot tolerate optical colonoscopy due to medical contraindications or personal preference. Board-certified radiologists at Buda Health Center prepare structured reports covering each colonic segment, with polyp size, morphology, and location documented using standardised reporting. Results are typically available within a few working days. Booking is available online at bhc.hu/en or by phone (+36 1 489-52-00).