Which procedure uses a scope to examine the lower part of the small intestine, including the sigmoid colon?

Which procedure uses a scope to examine the lower part of the small intestine, including the sigmoid colon?

• A. Sigmoidoscopy
• B. Colonoscopy
• C. Endoscopy
• D. Upper endoscopy

Answer: (A)

To view the lower GI tract, including the sigmoid colon, you use a colonoscopy. A colonoscope is designed to inspect the entire colon and can reach the sigmoid colon and rectum, and in many cases even the terminal ileum at the junction with the small intestine. A sigmoidoscopy, by contrast, examines only the distal portion of the colon—the sigmoid colon and rectum—so it doesn’t cover the entire colon or reach as far into the small intestine. Endoscopy and upper endoscopy target the upper GI tract (esophagus, stomach, and duodenum) and do not assess the lower GI tract. So the procedure that uses a scope to examine this region comprehensively is colonoscopy, which provides visualization of the colon in full and can access the sigmoid colon as part of its survey.

To view the lower GI tract, including the sigmoid colon, you use a colonoscopy. A colonoscope is designed to inspect the entire colon and can reach the sigmoid colon and rectum, and in many cases even the terminal ileum at the junction with the small intestine.

A sigmoidoscopy, by contrast, examines only the distal portion of the colon—the sigmoid colon and rectum—so it doesn’t cover the entire colon or reach as far into the small intestine. Endoscopy and upper endoscopy target the upper GI tract (esophagus, stomach, and duodenum) and do not assess the lower GI tract.

So the procedure that uses a scope to examine this region comprehensively is colonoscopy, which provides visualization of the colon in full and can access the sigmoid colon as part of its survey.