Can CT replace colonoscopy?

Many people think that some examination items can replace certain examination items, so such examinations are the same. In fact, this is not the case. Different types of examinations have different examination standards, and the processes and examination results are also different. Each examination can reflect its advantages. CT does not represent colonoscopy. Colonoscopy is mainly used to examine the intestines, while CT is mainly used to scan the human body. The locations and directions of these two examinations are different.

CT (Computed Tomography) is a computer tomography scan that uses precisely collimated X-ray beams, gamma rays, ultrasound, etc., together with extremely sensitive detectors to perform cross-sectional scans one after another around a certain part of the human body. It has the characteristics of fast scanning time and clear images, and can be used to detect a variety of diseases. According to the different rays used, it can be divided into: X-ray CT (X-CT), ultrasonic CT (UCT) and gamma-ray CT (γ-CT), etc.

A colonoscope is a thin, flexible medical instrument about 1 cm in diameter. It is passed through the anus into the rectum and into the large intestine, allowing doctors to observe the internal conditions of the colon and large intestine. A colonoscopy is a diagnostic test used by doctors to examine the large intestine and the interior of the colon.

The original colonoscope was mostly used for quarantine and was simpler than the modern colonoscope. Modern colonoscopes are often equipped with cameras and are longer in size, so they can examine lesions at a deeper level.

Clinical significance

Applicable diseases: colorectal polyps; colorectal inflammatory diseases such as ulcerative colitis; chronic colitis; colon cancer, etc. Indications

The indications for electronic colonoscopy are quite broad. Electronic colonoscopy can be performed in any of the following situations without contraindications.

1. Unexplained lower gastrointestinal bleeding.

2. Chronic diarrhea of ​​unknown cause.

3. Unexplained abdominal mass, where lesions of the large intestine and terminal ileum cannot be ruled out.

4. Unexplained pain in the lower abdomen.

5. Patients suspected of having benign or malignant colon tumors, but cannot be diagnosed by X-ray examination.

6. Suspected of having chronic inflammatory intestinal disease.

7. If abnormalities are found during barium enema or intestinal examination, the nature and extent of the lesions need to be further clarified.

8. Determine the extent of lesions before colon cancer surgery, and conduct reexamination and follow-up of efficacy of colon cancer and polyps surgery.

9. Low intestinal obstruction of unknown cause.

Colonoscopy is no longer as painful as people imagined in the past, and most people can tolerate it.

In addition: Patients can also request a painless colonoscopy under general anesthesia. When you take a nap, the colonoscopy will be done, but the risks of general anesthesia cannot be ignored.

Contraindications of electronic colonoscopy: Endoscopic examination should not be performed when the anal canal and rectum are narrow and the endoscope cannot be inserted. Patients with symptoms of peritoneal irritation, such as intestinal perforation, peritonitis, etc., are contraindicated in undergoing this examination. Avoid colonoscopy if there is acute infection of the anorectal canal or painful lesions, such as anal fissures or perianal abscesses. Women should not be examined during menstruation and should be examined with caution during pregnancy.

People who are elderly, frail, have severe hypertension, anemia, coronary heart disease, or heart and lung failure should not undergo endoscopic examination. This examination is contraindicated in patients who are suspected of having perforation, intestinal fistula, or extensive abdominal adhesions in the early stage after abdominal or pelvic surgery.