Bowel investigations
The large bowel, also called the colon, is the lower part of your intestines. It absorbs water and nutrients from digested food that passes through it.
There are a number of tests that can be used to find out the cause of symptoms, or as a check on certain bowel conditions. They include:
- colonoscopy
- virtual colonoscopy
- sigmoidoscopy
- barium enema
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is an examination of the lining of the large bowel using a thin flexible, tube-like telescope called a colonoscope. This is carefully passed through the back passage and into the colon.
During the procedure, your doctor may take one or more biopsies (samples of the lining of the colon) for examination in a laboratory. It’s also possible to remove polyps (small lumps of tissue that may be found on the colon lining).
Colonoscopy is routinely done as an out-patient or day-case procedure, with no overnight stay. It’s usually performed under sedation to help ensure that you are relaxed and comfortable during the procedure.
Virtual colonoscopy
Virtual colonoscopy (also called a computerised tomography colonography or CT colonography) allows doctors to look at the large bowel to detect polyps and signs of cancer.
The computerised tomography (CT) scanner uses X-rays to produce two-dimensional and three-dimensional images of the whole of the colon and rectum. The images are either stored on film or kept in a digital format and shown on a computer screen.
Sigmoidoscopy
A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a test that allows your doctor to look inside the rectum and lower part of your bowel using a narrow, flexible, tube-like telescope called a sigmoidoscope. This is carefully inserted into your back passage.
The test can help find out what is causing symptoms such as changes in bowel habit or rectal pain. It is also used to check for inflammation, early signs of cancer and polyps. During the procedure, your doctor may take one or more biopsies (samples of tissue) for examination in a laboratory. If necessary, it’s possible to remove polyps and treat haemorrhoids during the procedure.
Barium enema
A barium enema is a special X-ray test used to examine the large bowel. The bowel does not show up well on plain X-rays. However, if the bowel wall is coated with barium, a white liquid which shows up on X-rays, it makes it possible to examine the bowel.
The examination is routinely done as an out-patient procedure in the imaging or radiology department. A barium enema can help look for signs of inflammation, disease or cancer.
Colonoscopy, virtual colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy and barium enema are commonly performed and generally safe. For most people, the benefits of having a clear diagnosis are much greater than any disadvantages. However, like all medical procedures, there are some risks.
Your doctor will discuss which procedure is most suitable for you and also explain the benefits and any risks. For more information, please also see the relevant Spire Healthcare treatment summary sheets:
Colonoscopy treatment summary
Virtual colonoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Barium enema
To book a bowel investigations or to get a guide price, please call our enquiry team on 0800 434 6600.
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