What can replace the colonoscopy procedure. How to choose an alternative method of examination of the intestine without the use of colonoscopy? Can a colonoscopy be replaced?

Chronic constipation, functional diarrhea, anal bleeding, flatulence - all of these symptoms can be signs of intestinal diseases. Coloproctologist deals with the treatment of pathologies of the large intestine. If the duodenum is presumably affected, the primary diagnosis is carried out by a gastroenterologist. A narrower specialist involved in the study and treatment of diseases of the rectum is a proctologist. To diagnose this group of diseases, hardware, laboratory and instrumental methods are used, one of which is colonoscopy.

Colonoscopy of the intestine is an invasive procedure that allows you to assess the condition of the mucous membranes of the organ, identify signs of ulceration and erosion, and detect benign and malignant tumors. If necessary, treatment can be carried out during the procedure, for example, removal of polyps (followed by a histological examination). Colonoscopy at any age requires certain preparation, and also has contraindications, so this examination method is not suitable for everyone. Alternative options for diagnosing the intestine without the use of colonoscopy will be discussed below.

Colonoscopy is included in the list of mandatory diagnostic measures prescribed to the patient in case of suspected local ulcerative defects of the intestinal mucosa, occult bleeding and other serious diseases that may require surgical treatment. The procedure is a visual examination of the epithelial membrane of the large intestine - the distal intestine, in which the digestion process is completed and the fecal lump is formed. For examination, a thin tube is inserted into the rectum of the patient, at the end of which an optical device (endoscope) is fixed.

Absolute indications for endoscopic diagnosis of the colon are:

pain syndrome of unknown origin, localized in the abdominal space and having a recurrent course;
signs of gastrointestinal bleeding (black unformed stools, painful cramps, vomiting);
tumor processes (colorectal cancer, polyposis, cysts);
nonspecific ulcerative colitis;
systemic damage to the digestive tract (Crohn's disease);
intestinal obstruction;
weight loss against the background of severe anemia and periodic temperature increase within subfebrile condition.

In older patients, a colonoscopy may be prescribed to detect inflammatory processes, as well as if colon cancer is suspected. People at risk for malignant lesions of the large intestine (mainly elderly patients over 60 years of age) are recommended to undergo a colonoscopy once a year.

Why can a patient refuse to undergo a procedure?

Colonoscopy is a rather unpleasant procedure, but with proper preparation and sufficient qualification of the doctor, it does not cause severe pain. The main reason that the patient begins to look for alternative diagnostic methods is the psychological discomfort associated with the sensation of the presence of a foreign body in the anus.

Most often, men face such a problem, so doctors should pay more attention to working with this category of patients. It is very important to convey to the person what kind of procedure it is, why it is needed and what the consequences may be if intestinal pathologies are not detected in time. Proper preparation will also help reduce psychological discomfort, which reduces the risks of discomfort and unexpected phenomena (for example, involuntary gas discharge) to a minimum.

Proper preparation for bowel endoscopy includes:

adherence to a special diet that excludes products that contribute to the formation of gases, fermentation processes and decay;
the use of laxatives and enemas for mechanical cleansing of the intestines;
quitting smoking and drinking alcohol 2-3 days before the procedure;
taking sedatives on the eve of the colonoscopy and on the day of the colonoscopy (after consultation with the doctor).

Important! In paid clinics, for patients who cannot cope with their fears, a colonoscopy of the intestine can be performed in a state of sedation. This is an immersion in a state similar to a nap, in which a person remains conscious, but pain receptors do not work.

Alternative Methods

Not all methods can replace colonoscopy, therefore, when choosing an alternative, it is necessary to take into account not only indications and contraindications, but also the proposed diagnosis. In some cases, the procedure cannot be replaced by other diagnostic methods, so it is important to have complete information about all available methods for detecting intestinal pathologies.

Diagnosis with a sigmoidoscope

Sigmoidoscopy is a painless method for examining the mucous layer lining the final sections of the colon, with practically no contraindications. This type of examination can be used as an alternative to colonoscopy when it is necessary to visually examine the rectum or sigmoid colon. The sigmoidoscope looks like an endoscope for examining the large intestine: it is a long thin tube to which an eyepiece and an air supply device are attached. Air is necessary for the mechanical expansion of the rectum - it is supplied with the help of an obturator, which is removed after the tube is inserted behind the sphincter.

Important! If the technique is followed, the patient does not experience pain during sigmoidoscopy (this does not exclude a feeling of pressure and bursting). If during the diagnosis the patient has pain, the cause may be intestinal deformity or tumor formations that have extraintestinal localization.

X-ray examination with the introduction of a contrast agent

This method of examining the intestines is called irrigoscopy. It was first used in 1960, and has since been successfully used to diagnose pathologies of the sigmoid colon and other parts of the large intestine. The procedure is performed under X-ray control. First, an enema filled with a barium suspension is injected into the anus of the patient, after which the large intestine is filled with a contrast solution, and an x-ray is taken.

Irrigoscopy is an optimal alternative to colonoscopy and has similar indications for appointment. It can be:

Crohn's disease;
ulcerative colitis;
diverticulitis;
tumor processes and neoplasms of unspecified genesis;
fistulas in the walls of the large intestine.

The procedure allows you to assess the condition of the intestinal mucosa, as well as to identify the functional features of the colon, its size and anatomical location. Preparation is similar to the preparatory period for colonoscopy. The patient is prescribed an abundant drinking regimen, a sparing diet that excludes foods that stimulate the formation of gas bubbles (fresh vegetables and fruits, sucrose, carbonated drinks). To evacuate the contents from the intestines, it is necessary to take saline laxatives, for example, " magnesium sulfate».

Note! Barium enema has several advantages over colonoscopy. This procedure is less traumatic, less likely to cause complications and allows you to assess the condition of areas that are inaccessible for examination using a colonoscope. However, if it is necessary to take biological material or if tumor formations are suspected, the choice is made in favor of colonoscopy.
EFGDS
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy is a method of instrumental examination of the gastrointestinal tract using a probe. EFGDS cannot be considered an alternative to colonoscopy, since with this diagnostic method it will be possible to visually examine only the surface of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, jejunum and ileum that make up the small intestine. In diseases of the large intestine, this method is not informative, so it cannot be considered as a replacement for colonoscopy.
Video - Colonoscopy Alternative
Non-invasive diagnostic methods
Non-invasive methods for diagnosing the intestines are methods that are carried out without introducing any substances and instruments into the human body. For patients, such methods of examination are more preferable, as they allow you to relax, do not require special preparation and bowel cleansing. Not all of the non-invasive methods can replace a colonoscopy, so if the doctor insists on a specific procedure, you should not refuse.
CT scan
This is the most reliable and accurate method for diagnosing diseases of the large intestine, which can be used when colonoscopy is not possible. It is a layer-by-layer photograph of various sections of the intestine and can be performed with or without contrast. Computed tomography is contraindicated for pregnant women, as well as for patients whose weight exceeds 130 kg (many devices are designed for weights up to 125-130 kg).

Computed tomography is the most reliable and accurate method for diagnosing diseases of the large intestine.
If it is planned to use contrast solutions for diagnostics, the following possible contraindications should be excluded:
severe kidney disease, leading to partial organ dysfunction;
diabetes mellitus (in severe form);
thyroid pathology (hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism);
malignant tumor of plasma lymphocytes producing antibodies (multiple myeloma).

Important! Computed tomography of the intestine should be prescribed only if there are strict indications, since the radiation of the tomograph is 100-120 times higher than the dose that the patient receives with a single x-ray.

Ultrasound
Ultrasound diagnostics can only be used as an additional diagnostic method. In some cases, an ultrasonic sensor is inserted directly into the anus - an indication for this diagnostic method is a high risk of intestinal cancer. The use of contrast techniques during ultrasound is rarely used, since there are more informative ways to detect inflammatory and tumor pathologies.
Modern technologies
One of the safest and most comfortable ways to diagnose intestinal diseases is capsule endoscopy. This method was first used in Israeli clinics, now capsule endoscopy is used in private centers in Australia, the USA, Russia and some European countries. The essence of the method is to study the gastrointestinal tract using a video camera built into the capsule, which a person needs to swallow. If during the passage through the digestive tract the capsule encounters an obstacle, the built-in microchip will work and the capsule will dissolve. In all other cases, the device is excreted from the body with faeces.

Capsule endoscopy has many advantages over colonoscopy and other diagnostic methods, such as:
lack of special training, the need to take laxatives and diet;
the ability to maintain the usual way of life and performance;
absence of pain, discomfort and other unpleasant sensations;
minimal risks of complications (the capsule is small, does not injure the intestinal walls, does not contain substances and elements hazardous to health).

Despite all the advantages, the method has a very significant disadvantage - high cost. The cost of one procedure can range from 4,000 to 40,000 rubles, so capsule endoscopy is not as widespread as other diagnostic methods. The approximate cost of the procedure in different regions of Russia is shown in the table.
Cost of capsule endoscopy
The principle of operation of the video capsule
Laboratory diagnostics
Laboratory research includes the study of blood and feces of the patient. The coprogram allows you to determine the balance of pathogenic and beneficial flora, the chemical composition of feces, occult blood. The coprogram is also informative in identifying signs of inflammatory processes, for example, colitis. An analysis of fecal masses for occult blood is mandatory before any instrumental diagnostics if internal bleeding from the stomach or intestines is suspected.
If a patient goes to the hospital with complaints of abdominal pain, upset stool, lack of appetite, vomiting and nausea, it is also necessary to exclude enterobiasis, ascariasis, hookworm and other types of helminthiasis. For this, an analysis of feces for worm eggs is prescribed (with enterobiasis, a smear taken from the skin around the anus is examined).
In case of tumor processes, the patient is shown a blood test for tumor markers. Donating blood for early diagnosis of colorectal cancer once a year is necessary for all patients at risk for malignant lesions of the intestine.
Colonoscopy is an unpleasant but necessary procedure that allows you to identify many diseases of the intestine, including cancer, at an early stage. It is not worth refusing colonoscopy because of psychological discomfort or fear if the doctor insists on this diagnostic method. With strong excitement, you can solve the problem by taking sedatives, but you must first consult with a specialist who will conduct the study.
City or town The cost of the procedure (average price for the region)

Tula 4340 rubles

Moscow 6000 rubles

St. Petersburg 10100 rubles

Yekaterinburg 13690 rubles

Chelyabinsk 8800 rubles

City or town	The cost of the procedure (average price for the region)
Tula	4340 rubles
Moscow	6000 rubles
St. Petersburg	10100 rubles
Yekaterinburg	13690 rubles
Chelyabinsk	8800 rubles

Not all problems with the digestive system or intestines can be detected through laboratory tests. A number of serious pathologies need more accurate confirmation, which requires other methods of examination. These include colonoscopy. Why is this procedure needed and is there an alternative to bowel colonoscopy?

What is a colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is an instrumental study that allows diagnosing pathological conditions of the rectum and colon. An examination is carried out using a colonoscope - a long flexible probe, at the end of which there is an eyepiece with a tiny video camera and a backlight. Also included are biopsy forceps and air tubing. The probe is inserted through the rectum.

The resulting image is transmitted to the monitor and allows the specialist to assess the condition of the intestine throughout its entire length, which is about two meters. The camera takes high-resolution pictures that are magnified tenfold. On the images, the coloproctologist examines the mucosa and notes possible pathological changes.

After the examination, the air introduced into the body is pumped out

In addition, during the examination, a number of actions can be carried out to avoid additional surgical intervention.

These include:

expansion of the intestine due to scarring;
tissue sampling for histological studies;
removal of a foreign body;
elimination of polyps or benign tumors;
elimination of bleeding.

Due to the additional features, colonoscopy is considered the most informative and effective diagnostic method.

How is a colonoscopy performed?

A few days before the date of the examination, preparation for the colonoscopy begins. It includes diet and proper bowel cleansing. So, within 2-3 days, the patient must follow a slag-free diet: exclude vegetables, fruits, nuts, meat, cereals and pastries. 20 hours before the study, only water and weak tea are allowed. In order for the study to give the maximum result, it is necessary to remove all feces from the body. An enema or special medications are used for this, which are used a day before the procedure: Fortrans, Lavacol.

In the office, the patient is laid on his left side, his knees pressed against his stomach. The anal area is treated with an antiseptic liquid, if necessary, ointments and gels with an anesthetic are added. The probe is inserted into the rectum and slowly moves into the intestine. The specialist at this time evaluates the condition of the mucosa by displaying on the monitor. If it is necessary to straighten the intestine, air is pumped into the body.

In the absence of pathologies, the procedure takes 10-15 minutes. If a biopsy is needed, an additional portion of anesthetic is injected through the colonoscope channel, and the necessary piece of tissue is cut off using special forceps.

Possible contraindications

Contraindications to colonoscopy are absolute and relative. In addition, in most patients, the study causes negative emotions, and they begin to look for a variety of alternatives. With absolute contraindications, a colonoscopy cannot be performed. These include:

peritonitis;
pregnancy;
heart and lung failure;
ischemic or ulcerative colitis;
myocardial infarction;
severe internal bleeding in the intestines.

With an invasive intervention during colonoscopy, the duration of the procedure depends on the complexity of the pathology

In the case of relative contraindications, the appropriateness of the study is assessed by the attending physician. In some cases, colonoscopy is delayed, but for certain indications, it is carried out with some caution.

Relative contraindications include:

improper preparation;
low blood clotting;
bleeding;
severe condition of the patient.

If necessary, the examination is performed under general anesthesia, but in most cases anesthesia is not used.

Is there an alternative?

There are alternative methods for examining the condition of the large intestine, which in some cases can replace colonoscopy. They do not cause significant discomfort and are quite accessible, only the degree of information content differs.

In most cases, magnetic resonance imaging is an additional examination method: it is impossible to obtain complete information about the internal state of the mucosa with its help.

In terms of comfort, MRI wins, does not require additional preparation and does not cause discomfort

Usually checked on a tomograph:

the middle part of the intestine;
pelvic area;
terminal sections of the colon.

With the help of MRI with a contrast agent, diseases of the small intestine are well diagnosed: tumors, polyps, inflammation and bleeding areas can be found. In this case, minor changes in the mucosa cannot be detected.

CT scan

CT scans take detailed pictures of the bowel using x-rays. In some ways, this is the best alternative to colonoscopy: the final picture is quite detailed and clear. According to the results, it is computed tomography that is the most approximate research method.

During the examination, the patient simply lies on a special table, and the tomograph platform rotates around the body. The detectors of the apparatus “catch” the X-rays passing through the tissues of the body. The resulting sections are processed by a computer station, the result is a detailed image of the organs.

Irrigoscopy

Irrigoscopy also refers to x-ray research methods that use a contrast agent. Most often, specialists use barium sulfate, which is introduced into the body through the rectum. You can evaluate the elasticity of the walls, the function of the folds, the condition of the mucosa and the functional indicators of the departments of the organ.

Preparation for the procedure includes diet and bowel cleansing. During the examination, a special device, similar to an enema, is inserted into the large intestine. Through this device, the intestines are filled with contrast, after which the first overview image is taken. The patient needs to change position several times in order to obtain a series of sighting and overview shots.

Anoscopy

Anoscopy is an instrumental examination method, thanks to which it is possible to evaluate a certain part of the intestinal surface - a maximum of 15 centimeters. An anoscope is inserted into the intestine - a smooth hollow tube. The lumen is filled with a removable rod, through which the study is carried out.

Anoscopy is a good replacement and is prescribed not only for diagnosing the condition of the mucosa: using the device, you can take tissue or smears for analysis, administer medications, or perform minimally invasive surgical procedures, which are also performed during colonoscopy.

Through sigmoidoscopy, a visual examination of the surface of the lower part of the large intestine is performed. A special device is used for this - a hollow metal tube equipped with an air supply system and a lighting system.

The sigmoidoscope is inserted into the rectum in the same way as a colonoscope

In addition to examination, sigmoidoscopy allows you to perform a number of invasive manipulations - cauterize neoplasms, take tissue samples, get rid of polyps or block minor bleeding. The procedure has the same contraindications as a colonoscopy. In addition, preparation is required, including diet and bowel cleansing.

Capsule endoscopy

It is similar to a colonoscopy, but the data is not obtained through a probe, but from a special miniature capsule. It is equipped with a video camera and a transmitter that allows you to receive signals in real time. The method allows you to explore not only the distal and upper intestinal tract, but also the ileum and jejunum.

The study lasts from 6 to 12 hours

A device is attached to the patient, which registers and records the signals transmitted by the capsule. It must be swallowed with a small amount of water. After that, you can return to any usual business: the examination can be carried out without the supervision of a specialist.

The capsule is excreted from the body on its own, the doctor only needs to give the recording device. Within a few hours, the received data will be deciphered and a diagnosis will be made. The main disadvantage of the procedure is that it is not carried out in all clinics and in most cases it is paid.

Ultrasound procedure

Ultrasound is one of the most comfortable methods of examination, which uses ultrasonic waves. During the procedure, the patient lies on the table, and the specialist drives a special device over the skin. In some cases, a sterile contrast fluid can be used, three conditions of the intestine are assessed: before the fluid is injected, during and after it is removed from the body.

For certain indications, ultrasound is performed by the endorectal method: the cavity sensor is inserted directly into the rectum. Such a study is necessary at the risk of an oncological process in the intestine.

Invasive and minimally invasive diagnostics is often hampered by multiple contraindications, as well as the complexity of the manipulation: age-related features, the need for pain relief, side effects when anesthesia is administered. Classical colonoscopy is an adequate and only method for assessing the condition of the intestine, however, if it is impossible to perform, alternative methods can be used.

Alternative to colonoscopy

There are two types of palpation method:

Surface. Atypical protrusions, locations of the painful focus are obvious to the doctor.
Deep. Increased pressure and negative reaction of the patient to the examination of the abdominal space (normally, patients do not react to palpation in this area).

In addition to palpation, the doctor may prescribe other studies that may indirectly indicate the development of pathological changes in the intestinal mucosa:

blood, urine, mucous component tests;
analysis of feces for dysbacteriosis, eggworm, occult blood;
general and detailed blood test.

In addition to colonoscopy, the most effective research method is capsule diagnostics. Compared to colonoscopy, the method is painless and not associated with complications. Patients only need to swallow a special capsule, inside of which a microscopic camera is implanted. Visualization occurs from the moment of ingestion to complete elimination from the body in a natural way. Capsule diagnostics requires special preparation and compliance with the doctor's recommendations.

On a note! Additionally, doctors resort to consultations of specialized specialists, carry out:

ultrasound examination,

bowel X-ray,

computed tomography or MRI diagnostics.

The main analogues are research methods without colonoscopy for oncology and other diseases

In addition to colonoscopy, there are several effective methods for examining the intestinal cavities to exclude or differentiate one disease from another with a similar symptomatic course.

Alternative methods of examination are as follows:

It is difficult to unequivocally answer the question of the effectiveness of any alternative methods of colonoscopy. So, if a biopsy is necessary for suspected cancer or against the background of severe bleeding, including coagulation and the need to remove polyps, doctors again resort to traditional methods - endoscopic colonoscopy.

Modern methods of examination of the colon

Colon examination can be performed by alternative methods, subject to the indications of the attending physician.

Given the anatomical proximity to the rectal lumen, the study is carried out in the following ways:

Palpation of the rectal lumen. The study evaluates the condition of the mucous membranes of the anal sphincters, hemorrhoids, in some cases it allows to identify. Before the study, a cleansing enema is required. In case of insufficient information, other research methods are assigned.
MRI diagnostics. An informative and high-precision method for studying soft tissues. The tomograph assesses the condition of the mucous membranes by layers, recognizes tumors less than 0.5 mm. The disadvantage of the method is the lack of guarantee of results in the study of the internal structures of the organ.
CT scan. The procedure involves the study of the intestines by X-rays using a CT scanner. The effectiveness of the method is due to X-ray visualization of the smallest structures of the mucous epithelium, all fragments of the intestine with a pathological change.
Sigmoidoscopy. A reliable method for studying any pathologies of the intestines, removed up to 30 cm from the anus. The main indications for carrying out are bloody discharge, pain during defecation. Sigmoidoscopy allows not only to assess the nature of the mucous structures, but also to collect histological material for further research.
Anoscopy. Instrumental research method combined with palpation. With the help of anoscopy, a biopsy is available for further histology. As a preparation, a simple cleansing enema is suitable.
Irrigoscopic examination. It involves taking x-rays in several projections with the obligatory introduction of a contrast agent.
Sonography. The method is used for complaints of regular constipation and pathology of any origin. Echography is carried out in stages in which conditions are artificially created to improve the assessment of the state of the intestinal cavities. After emptying the intestines, the entire organ takes on its former forms.

Attention! Checking by alternative methods of examination of the colon is carried out as a differential diagnosis with chronic hemorrhoids, latent tumors near the rectal sphincter. With a doubtful diagnosis, traditional colonoscopy is usually resorted to.

Alternative to sigmoid colonoscopy

The sigmoid colon is the most important segment of the rectum, where absorption and distribution of nutrients throughout the body, the formation of feces takes place.

To determine the pathologies of the sigmoid colon, the following methods are used:

Sigmoidoscopy. The accessibility of the method is determined by the distance of the possible study. With the help of sigmoidoscopy, the intestine is examined with a length of 25 cm.
Irrigography. The study of the intestine with contrast is similar to other parts of the digestive tract.

If the diagnosis is unclear, CT diagnostics, MRI examinations are mandatory. In the absence of contraindications, they return to the "gold standards" of instrumental diagnostics - colonoscopy. For pain relief is now widely used.

The main differences between rectoscopy, anoscopy and colonoscopy in this video:

Latest Methods

Modern proctology offers patients various methods for examining various sections of the intestine in accordance with complaints. The choice of the method is due mainly to the indications for the study and the patient's complaints.

Differences between colonoscopy and videocolonoscopy

Video colonoscopy is a type of endoscopic colonoscopy in which a video of what is happening is made during the manipulation. During the manipulation, doctors have the opportunity to record the entire process, and then study fragments of particular interest.

With traditional colonoscopy, there is only an optical increase in the studied space with the possibility of photofixation.

Video colonoscopy is carried out similarly to traditional colonoscopy, only during operation a more modern colonoscope is used, equipped with the necessary equipment for video filming. The method is perceived by many clinicians as the "gold standard" in endoscopy.

How is it different from endoscopy?

The technical similarity of both procedures also determines their difference, which lies in the examined organ. Basically, a traditional colonoscopy is a specialized type of endoscopic examination of the bowel. With both procedures, it is possible to perform a biopsy, assess the condition of the mucosa, remove polyps and other non-oncogenic neoplasms, and also coagulate bleeding vessels.

Thus, there are no particular differences in procedures, except for the difference in the types of endoscopic equipment used. So, if it is necessary to carry out surgical manipulation, surgeons need an endoscope with two instrumental passages.

Replacement feasibility

Alternative diagnostic methods to colonoscopy are used under the condition of contraindications to the traditional examination. Given the need for anesthesia and the complexity of manipulation for some categories of patients, doctors resort to more gentle or completely non-invasive methods of studying the intestinal space.

The alternative to a full-fledged endoscopic examination is largely ineffective, which negatively affects the primary diagnosis of the patient. So, it is impossible for a doctor to conduct a full study of the clinical situation and assess the condition of the cavities of the intestinal segments, especially if surgical manipulations are necessary.

You can make an appointment with a doctor directly on our resource.

Be healthy and happy!

If a person suddenly starts to have a stomach ache, constipation or bloody discharge from the intestines, then the first thing he should do is to consult a proctologist. This specialist will advise a diagnosis, but the patient may ask how to check the intestines without a colonoscopy? This is understandable, because no one wants to endure the pain and consequences of a colonoscopy.

List of ailments that can be detected during the examination

How to check the intestines in other ways?

There are various ways and methods by which you can examine the intestines without a colonoscopy. Conventionally, they can be divided into invasive and non-invasive.

The first analogues are:

Irrigoscopy;
Anoscopy;
sigmoidoscopy;
Capsule diagnostics.

The essence of each of these examinations is to examine the intestines from the inside with the help of various devices, tubes, endoscopes and other things.

Examining the bowel with any of these methods will be less painful than using a colonoscopy, but discomfort will still be felt.

Non-invasive methods include:

Ultrasound examination (ultrasound);
Computed tomography (CT);
Magnetic resonance imaging ();
Endorectal ultrasound;
Positron emission tomography.

When conducting any of this list of intestinal examinations, the patient will not feel pain and unpleasant consequences of the procedure. However, this test is not an alternative to colonoscopy, but only a possible addition.

The fact is that colonoscopy shows the presence of a tumor even at an early stage, reveals fistulas and is a more informative diagnostic test. And its main advantage is the ability to take a biopsy for oncology and remove various polyps and anomalies.

Therefore, one should not try to replace colonoscopy with any other methods of examination of adults and children. It is better to supplement it than to explore it by other methods.

One of the main causes of constipation and diarrhea is use of various drugs. To improve bowel function after taking the drugs, you need every day drink a simple remedy ...

Anoscopy

Capsule diagnostics

Although this is an invasive procedure, it is completely painless for the patient. The patient swallows a small tablet-camera and that, getting into the organs of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), takes many pictures and transmits them to a special sensor.

The camera can capture what you can not see with endoscopy.

However, there is a risk that it will remain in the stomach and be difficult to remove, but in most cases this does not happen and the camera exits through the anus during bowel movements.

It is not yet a very common analysis, since it is not done in all hospitals and is quite expensive.

Ultrasound procedure

Almost everyone knows what ultrasound diagnostics is. But that an examination of the intestine can also be carried out, this is a novelty for most. To do this, you need to specially prepare:

12 hours before the ultrasound, do not eat;
make an enema in a few hours, or take a laxative at night;
Do not urinate two hours before the ultrasound.

The examination itself is carried out using an ultrasound machine and contrast injected into the intestine through the anus.

Doctors look at the bowel before urinating (with a full bladder) and after a bowel movement to see how the bowel wall reacts to stretching and contracting.

Which is better, ultrasound or colonoscopy?

Even an experienced specialist will not be able to answer you this question. Why? Because these are two different types of bowel examinations that can complement, not replace, each other. You can make a list of the advantages and disadvantages of these surveys, and what is more significant, it's up to you.

Ultrasound procedure		Colonoscopy
Advantages	Flaws	Advantages	Flaws
painless	Difficulty in preparation	Less expensive	Difficulty in preparation
No side effects in the form of pain or even internal injuries	The gaps of the folds are not always visible	Possibility of biopsy and removal of polyps	There are discomfort and even pain
The entire intestine is examined completely, even remote areas	Difficult to detect tumors smaller than 1cm	Detection of tumors at early stages	Possibility of injuring the intestinal mucosa
Unlimited number of examinations		informative

It is impossible to say which of these bowel examinations is better. But you can choose priority indicators for yourself and navigate by them.

Computed tomography, virtual tomography and MRI

All these examinations are only diagnostic in nature and are based on the principle of scanning the intestines using x-rays. The differences are that you can get flat sections or a three-dimensional picture.

Any of these methods does not cause pain to the patient and allows you to examine the intestines from different angles. But these tests are expensive. and are sometimes time consuming and difficult for claustrophobic people.

Endorectal ultrasound

The patient is introduced a sensor into the rectum, which, by spreading ultrasound through the walls of the intestine, allows you to identify the source of damage to the organ itself and its neighbors. This method is less informative than a colonoscopy examination of the intestine.

Positron emission tomography

PET is a new word in technical progress in the study of the intestine. The patient is injected intravenously with a radioactive substance (FDG), which is actively absorbed by cancer cells and is practically not perceived by healthy ones. Then spots are visible on the pictures - cancerous foci.

conclusions

We considered ten survey options. Which can replace colonoscopy. Many are expensive but painless, others are informative but backfire. But it's hard to say whether they can replace intestinal colonoscopy. Here the decision on the appointment of a particular type of examination must be taken by a doctor.

He will study your symptoms and complaints, and then prescribe an examination that will help to reliably and least painfully establish a diagnosis.

What is a colonoscopy

After the examination, the air introduced into the body is pumped out

In addition, during the examination, a number of actions can be carried out to avoid additional surgical intervention.

These include:

expansion of the intestine due to scarring;
tissue sampling for histological studies;
removal of a foreign body;
elimination of polyps or benign tumors;
elimination of bleeding.

Due to the additional features, colonoscopy is considered the most informative and effective diagnostic method.

How is a colonoscopy performed?

Possible contraindications

peritonitis;
pregnancy;
heart and lung failure;
ischemic or ulcerative colitis;
myocardial infarction;
severe internal bleeding in the intestines.

With an invasive intervention during colonoscopy, the duration of the procedure depends on the complexity of the pathology

Relative contraindications include:

improper preparation;
low blood clotting;
bleeding;
severe condition of the patient.

If necessary, the examination is performed under general anesthesia, but in most cases anesthesia is not used.

Is there an alternative?

In most cases, magnetic resonance imaging is an additional examination method: it is impossible to obtain complete information about the internal state of the mucosa with its help.

In terms of comfort, MRI wins, does not require additional preparation and does not cause discomfort

Usually checked on a tomograph:

the middle part of the intestine;
pelvic area;
terminal sections of the colon.

CT scan

Irrigoscopy

Anoscopy

The sigmoidoscope is inserted into the rectum in the same way as a colonoscope

Capsule endoscopy

Capsule endoscopy is similar to colonoscopy, but the data is not obtained through a probe, but from a special miniature capsule. It is equipped with a video camera and a transmitter that allows you to receive signals in real time. The method allows you to explore not only the distal and upper intestinal tract, but also the ileum and jejunum.

The study lasts from 6 to 12 hours