Colonoscopy
This procedure is used to evaluate the colon or large intestine. In order to maximize the benefits of this procedure, the colon must be properly prepared, or cleared out. This is accomplished by giving an oral solution and multiple enemas during the 12-24 hours prior to the procedure. Colonoscopy is used to evaluate patients with large bowel diarrhea, fresh blood in the stool, difficulty defecating, or with abnormal findings on a digital rectal exam. Similar to upper GI endoscopy, biopsy samples can be obtained to help make a definitive diagnosis.
Ileoscopy
This procedure evaluates the ileum, the last segment of the small intestine. It is performed in conjunction with a colonoscopy, but cannot be accomplished in all patients. Ileoscopy can be beneficial in patients with small intestinal disease as it adds another region of the small intestine that can be biopsied in conjunction with performing upper GI tract endoscopy or in patients with known ileal disease based on other testing such as ultrasound.