In medical world, there are alot of medical terms that can get confusing if ordinary people or non medical practitioners were to hear them like maybe for example colonoscopy and endoscopy– many people get these two confused but they are actually two very different procedures despite them sound almost the same. In this article, we will be examining the difference between these two and which one you should get considering your overall health and situation, so let us get right into it!
Similarities
1. Used For Diagnosing
These two procedure are actually just diagnostic tools used by gastroenterologists to examine the gastrointestinal tract for abnormalities and diseases, or other issues affecting digestive health and to do this they use variousspecialized instruments equipped with cameras and lights to visualize the interior of the digestive system in real-time.
2. Equipment Used
Both procedures typically utilize a flexible endoscope, a slender, tube-like instrument with a camera and light source attached to its tip and because it is flexible enough, it allows the endoscope to navigate through the gastrointestinal tract, giving your doctors a clear vision of what is going on in there so they can address any potential issues.
3. Preparation Before The Procedure
In the two, you mostly have to go through similar preparation that are often required for both endoscopy and colonoscopy which may include fasting for a certain period before the procedure, as well as cleansing the colon (by naturally pooping or using an enema) to ensure optimal visibility during the examination.
Differences
1. Scope of Examination
Their main difference is that endoscopy focuses on the upper gastrointestinal tract which includes the esophagus and stomach while a colonoscopy targets the lower gastrointestinal tract, primarily the colon and rectum so basically just the area where the doctor is examining is the main difference.
2. Purpose
While we already said that these are for diagnostic purposes, they are different in a sense that they differ in what specific issue they target. So while endoscopy will test for symptoms such as abdominal pain and/or gastrointestinal bleeding, as well as to screen for conditions like ulcers or inflammation in the upper digestive system then colonoscopy, on the other hand, is primarily used for colorectal cancer screening and surveillance, as well as for the diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the colon, such as inflammatory bowel disease or colorectal polyps.
3. Pricing
The cost of endoscopy and colonoscopy can vary depending on factors such as healthcare provider charges and whether sedation is required but colonoscopy cost in singapore tends to be more expensive than endoscopy cost in Singapore due to the additional preparation and specialized equipment involved, as well as the need for sedation in most cases.
You dont have to worry though because both procedures may be covered by health insurance plans, especially if performed for diagnostic purposes or as part of routine screening protocols.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, it is better to consult your doctor for anything that you might need so they cann decide what the best treatment pllan for you is, so until then, stay safe and healthy!