IBS Investigation, The Irritable Bowel Syndrome Investigation Page

IBS investigation maybe required and your doctor will refer you to an IBS specialist for Irritable Bowel Syndrome investigation. They have access to investigations such as Colonoscopy , Flexible Sigmoidoscopy, CT and ultrasound. Initially, your doctor will take a history of the complaint, perform an examination which might include a rectal examination (examination of the back passage by finger examination and Rigid Sigmoidoscopy - passing a rigid tube through the anus to look inside the back passage to assess the lining in the lower bowel).

They may do some blood tests and advise on the best way to investigate further with more specialised tests. This depends on age and clinical indication, particularly if concerns of pathological conditions such as cancer or inflammatory bowel disease have been raised.

These investigations may include:

Colonoscopy - passing a flexible camera into the large bowel through the anus (entrance to the back passage), with the intention of assessing the whole of the large bowel or colon to the caecum (cecum).

Barium Enema - passing a special dye that shows up on x-ray to highlight the large bowel lining

CT colonography - to assess the large bowel, often reserved in cases where colonoscopy would be risky or technically not possible

Ultrasound - an examination that uses sound waves to highlight abdominal organs

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Investigation can be discussed further in the forum below.

Why Don't You Discuss Your Test In The Investigation Forum?

To return to the IBS Help Online Homepage Click Here