On average, 20 million Americans suffer from chronic digestive conditions. In fact, colorectal cancer is the 3rd leading cause of cancer death in Americans accounting for over 51,000 deaths annually. Understanding the importance of diagnostic digestive tests and scans is crucial, and there are a variety of avenues you can take. While one may be a bigger priority to some compared to others based on symptoms, all of these tests should be considered to protect yourself from various digestive conditions.
At the Center for Digestive Health & General Surgery, our surgeons, gastroenterologists and colorectal specialists work together so patients can find answers.
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy (koe-lun-OS-kuh-pee) is an examination of your large intestine (colon). During this test, a video scope is inserted into the rectum, and is used for preventive, diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
Colonoscopies determine various digestive conditions, including the following:
- Colorectal cancer
- Hemorrhoids
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Bowel obstructions
A colonoscopy may be suggested at any age, but when it comes specifically to colorectal cancer screening, it is recommended to start at the age of 45. For individuals with higher risk, it is recommended to start at 40 or 10 years before the age of when the closest relative with colon cancer was diagnosed.
Sidmoidoscopy
A sigmoidoscopy (sig-MOY-DOS-koh-pee) is a diagnostic test similar to a colonoscopy. A video scope is used to examine the lower portion of the large intestine, an area referred to as the sigmoid colon.
This examination is minimally invasive and is used to take a tissue sample or biopsy, remove polyps (a growth in the body) or hemorrhoids, and test for cancer. This procedure usually takes around 30 minutes and does not require anesthesia.
A sigmoidoscopy can be performed at any age but is recommended to screen for colon cancer at the age of 45 for average-risk patients.
Colonoscopy vs. Sigmoidoscopy
Both colonoscopies and sigmoidoscopies are digestive procedures with video scopes inserted into the rectum. The difference between a colonoscopy and a sigmoidoscopy is the area of examination. Colonoscopies look at the entire colon, while sigmoidoscopies look only at the sigmoid colon (lower portion). Colonoscopies have more preparation involved compared to sigmoidoscopies and include anesthesia.
Both options determine various digestive conditions, but a colonoscopy provides a more complete picture of the health of your large intestine. Therefore, individuals that require sigmoidoscopies due to inadequate response to anesthesia will likely need to go more frequently than traditional colonoscopy patients.
Endoscopy
An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (e-sof-a-go-gas-tro-du-od-e-NOS-ko-pe) is also known as an endoscopy or EGD. During an endoscopy, a thin tube called an endoscope is put down the esophagus and used to analyze the upper lining of the GI tract. The analysis includes the oral cavity and salivary glands, the esophagus, the stomach and the small intestine.
This procedure can determine the following digestive conditions:
- Ulcers
- Celiac disease (gluten intolerance)
- Pancreatitis
An endoscopy is recommended for patients 50 years or older but can be performed on persons of any age. An endoscopy does require some temporary preparation like stopping any interfering medications, dietary limitations, and more.
Endoscopy vs. Colonoscopy and Sigmoidoscopy
There are many differences between an endoscopy compared to a colonoscopy or a sigmoidoscopy. An endoscopy procedure refers to a scope that is inserted down the esophagus, whereas a colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy include a scope inserted into the rectum.
Furthermore, an endoscopy examines your upper GI tract while the other two digestive tests are performed to review your large intestine, otherwise known as your colon. One similarity between an endoscopy and a colonoscopy is the preparation. For both digestive examinations, you will need to follow a similar set of instructions to ensure that your scan is as accurate as possible.
Esophageal Testing
Esophageal testing at Southwoods Health includes two separate tests used for different purposes. An Esophageal Manometry (ee-sof-uh-JEE-uhl muh-NOM-uh-tree) is used to assess functionality. This helps determine your esophagus’ ability to move food to your stomach.
Esophageal pH Monitoring measures the amount of acid backing up into the esophagus. Patients suspected to be suffering from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) will likely be ordered to receive this test. These tests do not have a certain recommended age to start, rather they’re conducted on a symptom-based basis.
Esophageal Testing vs. Endoscopies, Colonoscopies and Sigmoidoscopies
Esophageal testing is used for different purposes than other tests because it focuses on the esophagus and ignores other parts of the digestive system.
Esophageal testing diagnoses conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease and esophageal cancers. Endoscopies, colonoscopies and sigmoidoscopies are extensive reviews of the digestive system. They primarily focus on diagnosing conditions like colorectal cancer, stomach cancer and inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohns.
While all of these diagnostic examinations are important to consider, your digestive specialist will guide you on which tests are most appropriate considering your symptoms.
Prioritize Your Digestive Health
Prioritizing your digestive health doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Understanding why it is important is the first step. From there, consulting with your primary care physician will help to alleviate stress and set up a game plan. Your doctor will carefully assess your situation and be able to refer you to a Southwood specialist who can help.
Although the process and purpose of the above digestive tests are different, there is one similarity – they all are performed by well-trained gastroenterologists, general surgeons and colorectal surgeons at Southwoods Health.
At the Southwoods Center for Digestive Health and General Surgery, our goal is to provide patients with quality, compassionate health care.
