What are the alternatives to a colonoscopy?

There are a few other tests that can examine the large bowel, although they do not always provide the same level of detail as a colonoscopy. A double-contrast barium enema is an X-ray test that uses a chalky liquid called barium and air to outline the bowel on an X-ray image. Like a colonoscopy, you’ll need to take a bowel preparation beforehand to clear the bowel. This test can show most of the large bowel, but it may miss small growths called polyps. If polyps are found, you would still need to have a colonoscopy later to remove them.

Another option is CT colonography (also called a virtual colonoscopy or CT pneumocolon). This test uses a CT scanner to create detailed images of the large bowel. A small tube is placed into your back passage, and air is gently introduced to expand the bowel, allowing clearer pictures to be taken while you lie on your back and then on your front. Although CT colonography provides useful information, it can still miss smaller polyps or changes in the bowel lining. If anything abnormal is seen, a standard colonoscopy will be needed afterwards so that samples can be taken or polyps removed.