Crohn's Disease: Sigmoidoscopy

Last month we talked about what are the methods of Diagnosis of this disease. Today we will find out what Sigmoidoscopy is.

Sigmoidoscopy is the minimally invasive medical examination of the large intestine from the rectum through the last part of the colon. There are two types of sigmoidoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, which uses a flexible endoscope, and rigid sigmoidoscopy, which uses a rigid device. Flexible sigmoidoscopy is today generally the preferred procedure. Sigmoidoscopy is a very effective screening tool. Sigmoidoscopy is similar but not the same as colonoscopy. Sigmoidoscopy only examines up to the sigmoid, the most distal part of the colon, while colonoscopy examines the whole large bowel.

Crohn's Disease : Diagnosis

To accurately diagnose Crohn's disease, a patient will likely undergo a number of laboratory tests and one or more imaging procedures that allow a doctor to visually evaluate the intestine. Laboratory tests include blood tests and stool cultures. They are used to evaluate the inflammatory process and to provide clues about the cause. There are three common imaging procedures. One is a type of X-ray, and the others use endoscopy, allowing the doctor to actually look inside the body.
Imaging studies include:

Sigmoidoscopy

Colonoscopy

Barium enema
Once transient infection has been ruled out and inflammatory bowel disease is suspected, it is important to make a correct diagnosis of either Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. While the two diseases have many similarities, they are distinct. Many of the newer drugs are more effective for treating for one disease than the other.