The Knowledge Board:
Ulcerative Colitis
The diagnostic route starts by excluding those pathologies that have similar symptoms such as: Chron’s disease, diverticolitis, colorectal cancer, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and infections.
Subsequently, the patient undergoes a number of different tests: blood test to ascertain the presence of anaemia, stool test, and x-ray test which can help to assess the extent of the condition.
Specific blood tests look at the presence of antibodies which in some cases can reveal a particular type of ulcerative colitis. C reactive protein test (CRP) is also very important to assess the extent of the inflammation.
In order to confirm the indications given by blood and stool tests, doctors will then suggest some further examinations. These are:
A thin flexible camera tube is inserted into your rectum to examine only the terminal tract of the colon (sigmoid). The procedure is not painful - although a sedative is usually provided - and lasts few minutes. There is a little risk of perforation of the colon wall.
This diagnostic test is employed to view the entire colon. It requires a preparation using a strong laxative, as the colon needs to be completely empty before the examination. A thin, flexible camera tube is inserted through the rectum to reach the colon. A tissue sample (biopsy) is usually taken. Colonoscopy is not painful –although a sedative is usually provided – and lasts up to half an hour. There is a little risk of perforation and bleeding of the colon wall.
It is employed to look at the entire large intestine. A contrast dye is inserted into the intestine using an enema and sometimes air is also blown. The contrast fills and highlights the lining of the entire intestine which is then inspected with an x-ray machine.
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