What is rectal endoscopic ultrasound?

Rectal endoscopic ultrasound is a test that lets your doctor look at the walls of your lower gastrointestinal tract. This test does not use X-rays or other radiation.

The doctor uses a thin, lighted tube that bends. It's called an endoscope, or scope. The scope has an ultrasound probe and camera at the tip. The doctor gently puts the scope into your rectum to the area to be examined. The scope can take pictures of organs and tissues. This checks for problems in the colon, liver, gallbladder, or pancreas.

The procedure can take up to an hour if a sample of tissue is taken to be tested. This is called a biopsy.

You may go home after your doctor checks to make sure you are not having any problems.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

What happens before the procedure?

Procedures can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for your procedure.

Preparing for the procedure

• The day before your procedure, your doctor may ask you to drink a "colon prep" liquid. You will want to stay home, because the liquid will make you go to the washroom a lot. The liquid will make you pass loose, watery stools. It is very important to drink all of the "colon prep" liquid.
• Understand exactly what procedure is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
• Tell your doctors ALL the medicines and natural health products you take. Some of these can increase the risk of bleeding or interact with anesthesia.
• If you take blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), or aspirin, be sure to talk to your doctor. He or she will tell you if you should stop taking these medicines before your procedure. Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do.
• Your doctor will tell you which medicines to take or stop before your procedure. You may need to stop taking certain medicines a week or more before your procedure. So talk to your doctor as soon as you can.
• If you have an advance care plan, let your doctor know. Bring a copy to the hospital. If you don't have one, you may want to prepare one. It lets your doctor and loved ones know your health care wishes. Doctors advise that everyone prepare these papers before any type of surgery or procedure.

What happens on the day of the procedure?

• Follow the instructions exactly about when to stop eating and drinking. If you don't, your procedure may be cancelled. If your doctor told you to take your medicines on the day of the procedure, take them with only a sip of water.
• Take a bath or shower before you come in for your procedure. Do not apply lotions, perfumes, deodorants, or nail polish.
• Take off all jewellery and piercings. And take out contact lenses, if you wear them.

At the hospital or surgery centre

• Bring a picture ID.
• You will be kept comfortable and safe by your anesthesia provider. The anesthesia may make you sleep.
• You will lie on your left side. The doctor will put the scope in your rectum. The doctor will move the scope into your colon to the area to be examined.
• If your doctor wants to take a sample of tissue for biopsy, he or she may use small surgical tools. These are put into the scope to cut off some tissue. You will not feel a biopsy, if one is taken. The doctor can also use the tools to stop bleeding.
• You may feel some bloating or cramping as the tube is moved. If you feel a lot of discomfort, tell the doctor.
• You will stay at the hospital or surgery centre for 1 to 2 hours until the medicine you were given wears off.

Going home

• Be sure you have someone to drive you home. Anesthesia and pain medicine make it unsafe for you to drive.
• You will be given more specific instructions about recovering from your procedure. They will cover things like diet, wound care, follow-up care, driving, and getting back to your normal routine.

When should you call your doctor?

• You have questions or concerns.
• You don't understand how to prepare for your procedure.
• You're having trouble with the bowel prep.
• You become ill before the procedure (such as fever, influenza, or a cold).
• You need to reschedule or have changed your mind about having the procedure.