TORRINGTON, Wyo. (Dec. 2, 2024) – Regional health care leader Banner Health’s Torrington Community Hospital is proud to announce the availability of computed tomography (CT) virtual colonoscopy, an advanced screening method for colorectal cancer. As the only facility offering this service in western Nebraska and southeast Wyoming, Torrington Community Hospital provides a minimally invasive, safe and highly accurate alternative to traditional colonoscopies.
Colorectal cancer remains the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, accounting for one in 11 cancer deaths each year and 53,000 deaths annually. Early detection can make a life-saving difference, yet according to the American Cancer Society, one in three people in the U.S. eligible for screening have never been screened. A virtual colonoscopy utilizes low-dose CT imaging to create 3D visuals of the colon, allowing doctors to identify cancer and precancerous polyps with precision. Unlike standard colonoscopies, the procedure does not require sedation or anesthesia, enabling most patients to resume normal activities immediately after the 10- to 15-minute exam, making it more accessible.
Additional benefits include:
- Low risk: The use of a small, flexible tube minimizes the chance of complications such as colon perforation, which occurs in one in 1,000 traditional colonoscopies but is far lower with the CT virtual colonoscopy.
- Comprehensive screening: While focused on the colon, the procedure can also identify potential health concerns outside the digestive system. According to the American College of Radiology, one in 300 patients screened has colon cancer, while one in 200 has another type of cancer that the screening can detect.
- Recommended for ages 45+: The American Cancer Society supports CT virtual colonoscopy as a screening method every five years for individuals at average risk of colorectal cancer.
Patients will undergo the same bowel preparation as with conventional colonoscopies, but the virtual method eliminates the need for sedation, reducing potential side effects and recovery time. Additionally, most private insurers, including major providers, cover CT virtual colonoscopies.
“CT virtual colonoscopy is an excellent tool in the detection and prevention of colon cancer,” said Dr. Jacob Merrell, a radiologist with Casper Medical Imaging. “It’s great that Torrington Community Hospital is providing this needed service to the region for those who are not able or do not wish to have a conventional colonoscopy.”
For more information about CT virtual colonoscopies at Community Hospital or to schedule an appointment, contact the hospital at (307) 532-4181.
About Community Hospital
Community Hospital in Torrington, Wyoming is operated by Banner Health, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit health care systems with 33 hospitals in six states including Wyoming Medical Center in Casper. Community Hospital offers obstetrics, general surgery, oncology, inpatient and outpatient diagnostics, rehabilitation services, community wellness and emergency care. For more information, visit bannerhealth.com/torrington.
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