Brief Answer: Virtual colonoscopy / CT scan Detailed Answer: Hi. A good question, many patients do ask about. There are certain tests that can be a substitute for a colonoscopy, but they can not do a biopsy. Well, to mention: Virtual colonoscopy- this is an investigation done by a CT scan. You need the same bowel preparation. After you are scanned by a CT scan, normal pair is slowly pushed into the colon and re-scanned. With a software based camera and reconstruction of the sequences done by the computer one gets beautiful images. If done at the multi-slice CT scan , it has a nice resolution and can get a proper diagnosis. And the best part the CT scanning of the whole abdomen can be / is done at the same time. You can go ahead with this investigation. Another investigation is ''capsule endoscopy'' wherein you have to swallow a small capsule containing a camera. It sends photos till it is passed in the stools. It has an advantage of direct visualization. But a bit costlier.

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