What is the difference between a colonoscopy and a sigmoidoscopy?
The difference between the two tests is the part of the colon they allow the doctor to see. A sigmoidoscopy is less invasive, because it only looks at the lower part of your colon. A colonoscopy looks at the entire large intestine.
Why would you need a sigmoidoscopy?
Your doctor may recommend a sigmoidoscopy to explore possible causes for abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, chronic diarrhea and other intestinal problems. The procedure allows your doctor to check for inflammation, ulcers, abnormal tissue, polyps or cancer.
Is a colonoscopy more painful than a sigmoidoscopy?
However, many people think colonoscopy is more painful and choose sigmoidoscopy for screening. However, according to experience in a self-payed health check-up center,unsedated total colonoscopy is not inferior or may be better than unsedated sigmoidoscopy in terms of pain and patients’ acceptance.
Can a sigmoidoscopy detect IBS?
A colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy may be used to help diagnose irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). When a patient complains of symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating, abdominal pain and gas, a physician may order a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy to determine if the cause is IBS or another condition or abnormality.
What does a sigmoidoscopy detect?
During a flexible sigmoidoscopy, a healthcare provider uses a scope to view the inside of the lower (sigmoid) colon and rectum. The procedure helps diagnose bowel problems, such as ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It can also detect colon polyps that can become colon cancer.
Can a sigmoidoscopy detect diverticulitis?
Thus, there is no indication for routine sigmoidoscopy in the setting of acute colonic diverticulitis. When an endoscopic procedure is warranted as described in question 1, total colonoscopy after standard bowel preparation should be the procedure of choice.