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Colonoscopy Frequency With Crohn's Disease

Colonoscopy is a tool to help diagnose and treat Crohn's disease. The imagery obtained during a colonoscopy enables the doctor to make a correct diagnosis and offer proper recommendations for treatment.

  1. Colonoscopy

    • A colonoscopy is an examination that uses a flexible tube with a light and a camera. This tube is inserted into the anus of the patient to examine the colon and intestines.

    Advantages

    • The colonoscopy can help a doctor locate precancerous and cancerous polyps, which are common in Crohn's patients. The imagery provided allows a doctor to assess colon inflammation, which is a common symptom of the disease. The frequency of having a colonoscopy depends upon the severity and changes in a patient’s disease.

    Active Disease

    • When the Crohn's disease is active and a patient continues to experience Crohn's-related symptoms, a doctor might suggest a colonoscopy every one to three years.

    Inactive Disease

    • If the disease is in remission, a doctor will recommend a colonoscopy every five to 10 years. The procedure can access if the patient has an visual symptoms of Crohn's disease, and whether the potentially cancerous polyps are present.

    Flare Up

    • Often, a patient with Crohn's disease will experience a flareup. The intensity can vary, and a doctor might order a colonoscopy to see how the disease is affecting the patient's intestines and colon.

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