What is the Difference Between an Endoscopy and a Colonoscopy?
Endoscopies and colonoscopies are both minimally invasive nonsurgical procedures that examine internal organs and other parts of the body for diagnostic and preventative care. A colonoscopy is a specific type of endoscopy, with endoscopies referring to a broad range of procedures that examine the inside of your body.
By knowing the primary differences between the two main types of endoscopies, you can make more informed decisions about your health and better understand why your doctor might recommend one or the other.
What is an Endoscopy?
An endoscopy is a minimally invasive nonsurgical procedure that uses a flexible tube with a camera (an endoscope) to take pictures or videos inside a patient’s body. Unlike colonoscopies, endoscopies refer to a range of procedures that focus on different parts of the body. For example, the three most common types of endoscopies include colonoscopies, laparoscopies, and upper endoscopies.
What Is an Upper Endoscopy?
Typically, when someone’s thinking about receiving an endoscopy, they’re actually considering an upper endoscopy. Also called an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), this procedure focuses on examining the lining of the stomach, esophagus, and duodenum (the upper part of the small intestine).
Reasons to Receive an Upper Endoscopy
The most common reasons to receive an upper endoscopy include:
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Ulcers
- Chronic heartburn
- Inflammation in the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus
- Stomach pain
What is a Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a type of endoscopy that focuses on your colon, with colonoscopies focused on examining the rectum and large intestine (i.e., the lower GI tract). A colonoscopy is often referred to as the gold standard for colorectal cancer detection due to its ability to help detect and prevent colorectal cancer.
Reasons to Receive a Colonoscopy
Some of the most common reasons to receive a colonoscopy include:
- Routine cancer screening
- Diagnosing Crohn’s disease
- Diverticulitis
- Ulcerative colitis
Key Difference Between an Upper Endoscopy vs Colonoscopy
While there are several types of endoscopies, people often have questions about how colonoscopies and upper endoscopies are different. As you search for the right treatment, review the primary similarities and differences between an EGD vs colonoscopy below:
| Upper Endoscopy | Colonoscopy | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum for abnormalities such as ulcers, tumors, or inflammation. | Inspect the entire colon and rectum for signs of colorectal cancer, polyps, or inflammatory bowel diseases. |
| Procedure | A physician inserts a thin, flexible tube with a camera into a patient’s mouth and moves it down the throat into the esophagus and stomach to visualize and assess the upper gastrointestinal tract. | A physician inserts a long, flexible tube with a camera into the rectum and through the colon, allowing the physician to inspect the inner lining for abnormalities. |
| Preparation | Patients usually have to fast for several hours prior to the procedure to ensure the stomach is empty, along with making possible adjustments to medications that may affect sedation or bleeding. | Patients usually need to follow a clear liquid diet for a day or two before the procedure and take a laxative to thoroughly cleanse the bowel, ensuring optimal visibility during the exam. |
| Technology | A thin, flexible tube with a camera | A thin, flexible tube with a camera |
Benefits of Upper Endoscopies and Colonoscopies
As minimally invasive and nonsurgical procedures, upper endoscopies and colonoscopies tend to be very fast and safe for patients. They also can lower patient costs by catching issues early and preventing the need for more expensive treatments in the future. Alongside these shared benefits, each procedure has some unique advantages. Review the primary benefits of an EGD vs colonoscopy below:
6 Benefits of Colonoscopies
The primary six benefits of colonoscopies include:
- Decreased risk of colon cancer
- Early detection of colon cancer
- Reduced risk of death due to colon cancer
- Improved detection and treatment of other non-cancer illnesses
- Better informed diagnoses, as colonoscopies give a more detailed view of the colon
- More effective symptom management
5 Benefits of Upper Endoscopies
The five main benefits of EGDs include:
- More comprehensive view of the stomach and esophagus
- Faster and more accurate diagnosis of GERD, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease
- Improved detection of ulcers
- Easier removal of gallstones
- Better monitoring of growths and tumors
Risks and Complications of Colonoscopies and Upper Endoscopies
Colonoscopies and upper endoscopies are very safe procedures, but they do carry some rare risks and complications. Review the main risks and complications associated with each procedure:
Primary Risks and Complications of Colonoscopies
- Belly discomfort, bloating, or cramping
- Lots of rectal bleeding or bleeding that won’t stop
- Infection
- Perforated intestine
- Postpolypectomy electrocoagulation syndrome (only a risk if your doctor has removed a polyp and seals the area with a tool that uses an electric current)
- Negative reaction to anesthesia or sedation
How to Know if a Colonoscopy Has Caused a Complication
After your colonoscopy, watch out for the following symptoms that could indicate a complication:
- Hard belly
- Severe cramping or pain in your belly
- Fever
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Difficulty pooping or passing gas
- Bleeding greater than two tablespoons of blood or non-stop rectal bleeding
If you experience any of the above symptoms after a colonoscopy, go to an emergency room or immediately contact your provider.
Primary Risks and Complications of Upper Endoscopies
- Bleeding (more likely if a patient needs a biopsy during the procedure)
- Infections
- Tearing of the gastrointestinal tract (very rare)
- Negative reaction to anesthesia or sedation
How to Know if an Upper Endoscopy Has Caused a Complication
After your endoscopy, watch out for the following symptoms that could indicate a complication:
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty swallowing
- Vomiting, particularly if the vomit resembles coffee grounds or is bloody
- Chest pain
- Very dark, black, or bloody-colored stool
- Persistent or severe abdominal pain
Like with symptoms following a colonoscopy, you should immediately contact your provider or go to an emergency room if you have any of the above symptoms.
When to Schedule an Endoscopy or Colonoscopy:
Review the primary symptoms that can indicate you need an upper endoscopy or colonoscopy below:
- Upper Endoscopy: If you’re experiencing symptoms like chronic heartburn, unexplained stomach pain, or difficulty swallowing, you may need an upper endoscopy.
- Colonoscopy: When you’re experiencing symptoms like rectal bleeding, weakness or fatigue, abdominal pain/cramping, changes in bowel habits, or a lack of relief after a bowel movement, you may need a colonoscopy. After the age of 45 (or earlier if you have certain risk factors), you should receive a routine colorectal cancer screening. Those who have an average risk of colorectal cancer will need a colonoscopy every 10 years, while those at higher risk may need them more regularly.
Before you schedule an upper endoscopy or colonoscopy, contact your primary care provider to ask if you need one. They should be able to refer you to an appropriate provider based on your symptoms and needs.
Why Is It Important to Receive Upper Endoscopies and Colonoscopies?
As you age, receiving routine colonoscopies or upper endoscopies based on your doctor’s recommendations can be lifesaving. These preventative health procedures allow doctors to screen for cancer and address any symptoms you might be having. Catching cancer and addressing symptoms of other conditions early can make it easier for your doctor to eliminate the cancer or treat symptoms that would get worse untreated. Alongside improving your quality of life, upper endoscopies and colonoscopies can be lifesaving and should be a part of your care.
Schedule a Colon Cancer Screening in Granville County, NC
If you need a colonoscopy or upper endoscopy in Granville County, North Carolina, Granville Health System can help. As part of our efforts to promote well-being and better health in Granville County, we regularly provide routine colon cancer screenings and a variety of endoscopies for different health conditions.
Learn more about our colon cancer screenings and other outpatient services today. If you’re ready to see a doctor, please make an appointment.
