Colonography an option with blood thinners

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Jan. 12 (UPI) -- Colonography is a U.S. government-approved screen for colon cancer and polyps that does not require stopping anti-coagulants and anti-platelet medication.

Westside Medical Imaging has developed special protocols for patients in need of colonoscopy who take anti-coagulant blood thinners such as Coumadin, or warfarin, or anti-platelet medications including aspirin and Plavix.

Patients with atrial fibrillation, stroke, mechanical heart valve and drug eluting coronary stents may be placing themselves in danger if they stop their blood thinners or anti-platelet medications for any amount of time.

Virtual colonography can be performed with the usual bowel preparation to ensure optimal imaging without the need for general anesthesia, which is necessary for conventional colonoscopy.

This examination takes only one hour without general anesthesia; most patients can immediately return to carrying out their normal activities.