Endoscopy / Colonoscopy

Endoscopy and colonoscopy are both medical procedures that allow doctors to examine the interior of the body, typically for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, but they focus on different areas.

Endoscopy:

• What it is: A broad term that refers to the use of an endoscope—a flexible tube with a light and camera attached—to view the inside of the body.
• Types:
  • Upper Endoscopy (EGD): Used to examine the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum).
  • Bronchoscopy: Used to examine the airways and lungs.
  • Cystoscopy: Used to examine the bladder.
  • Sigmoidoscopy: Used to examine the sigmoid colon (part of the lower intestine).
• Indications: Endoscopies are commonly done to investigate symptoms like difficulty swallowing, chronic nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, or to remove tissue samples for biopsy.

Colonoscopy:

• What it is: A specific type of endoscopy that examines the large intestine (colon) and the rectum.
• Indications: Colonoscopy is used to screen for colon cancer, investigate unexplained changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, or abdominal pain, and to diagnose or monitor inflammatory bowel diseases (like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis).
• Preparation: The colon needs to be cleared of stool, which typically requires a bowel preparation process, involving laxatives and a special diet the day before.
• Uses: Colonoscopies are particularly important for detecting polyps, diverticulosis, and cancer.