Bowel Disease Diagnosed diagnosis

Blood analysis. To detect parameters that establish the presence of inflammation, anaemia, malnutrition or any vitamin deficiency and/or infections.

Stool analysis. To diagnose concurrent infections (bacteria, parasites). There are also specific indicators that can confirm the presence of intestinal inflammation (fecal calprotectin).

Digestive endoscopy (gastroscopy, colonoscopy). These tests are required to confirm the diagnosis, as they provide a direct view of the intestinal mucosa (innermost layer of the intestine), and to obtain biopsy samples. They are not only essential for the diagnosis of IBD, but also when monitoring the response to treatments.

• Colonoscopy gives a view of the colon and the final part of the small intestine (terminal ileum), if necessary. The colon is first evacuated by administering a laxative, either the day before or on the same day the test is performed. Given that the introduction of air into the colon, which is necessary for its proper visualisation, can be uncomfortable, it is often performed under sedation. 
• Gastroscopy is used to view the oesophagus, stomach and the most proximal section of the small intestine (duodenum).

Capsule endoscopy. This exploratory technique involves swallowing a small camera which then takes images along the entire length of the digestive tract until it is excreted through the anus. It is very useful when performing a complete study of the small intestine (segments that cannot be accessed by gastroscopy or colonoscopy).

Intestinal Ultrasound. This is a non-invasive radiological test for a reliable assessment of the affected intestinal segments (except for the rectum, where accuracy is lower), the degree of inflammation and any complications (e.g., stenosis or fistulas). Moreover, ultrasound allows to rule out other diseases with similar symptoms (e.g., appendicitis).

Other radiological tests. Abdominal X-rays, computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are particularly useful when it comes to diagnosing complications (stenosis, fistulas) and identifying which areas of the intestine are affected by the disease. Of all of them, the most used, due to its advantages (it does not radiate, it is very precise), is MRI.

Imaging tests help assess any complications, complete the study of the disease’s extension and evaluate the response to treatments.