Radiology - Following CT Virtual Colonoscopy

This leaflet should be read before you leave the hospital. Please do not leave until you feel comfortable to do so.

After your examination has been completed, you will remain in the department for at least 30 mins when you will be invited to get changed and have a drink.

You should resume eating your normal diet immediately and ensure you drink plenty of fluids over the next 2-3 days.

It is common to have:

• a bloated or uncomfortable feeling
• more wind than normal
• loose bowels for a day or so

Resuming your normal diet, having warm drinks and moving around can help alleviate these.

Seek medical advice if you experience any of the following symptoms over the next 4-5 days:

• severe or worsening abdominal (tummy) pain
• sweating
• nausea or generally feeling unwell 

If you have had any injections during the procedure

If you have had an injection of a medication called Buscopan during your examination, you may have blurred vision for around 30 mins. Please do not drive until your vision is normal.

Very rarely, you can develop a painful, red eye as a result of the Buscopan injection. If this occurs, you must attend Accident and Emergency (A&E) urgently and tell them you have had this medication.

If you have had an injection of intravenous contrast (x-ray dye) Please speak to a member of staff if you experience any itching, shortness of breath or feel unwell at all whilst in the department. This can be a reaction to the x-ray dye used during the examination. Not everyone will have had contrast injected during the scan. Seek medical advice if you feel unwell after leaving the hospital.

Obtaining your results

Results of your examination will be sent to the doctor who referred you. You may already have an appointment to see them.

However, if you have not received an appointment or any communication about your result within 4 weeks of the examination, please contact the secretary of your consultant via the hospital switchboard: 0161 624 0420.

If you have any questions, please ask a member of staff.