Rectal Examination – Overview Of The Procedure

Rectal endoscopy is a method that can be used to look inside a human sphincter. The doctor may even examine the posterior part of the rectum (the last section of the colon). In this way, that part of the digestive tract can be examined.

In the procedure, a flexible, thin speculum is inserted inside the patient’s sphincter. This instrument includes a halogen lamp that illuminates the area for better visibility. An optical cable may also be attached to it because it provides better visibility of the rectal walls.

In some clinical cases, the attending physician applies a chemical compound to these walls. The area is then illuminated with a fluorescent lamp that can identify any diseased areas in the gut. This is known as “high-resolution rectal endoscopy”.

Doctors also use this method for other purposes, such as taking specimens and hanging hemorrhoids with rubber loops. However, its main function is to diagnose anal tumors and other similar pathologies.

Rectal endoscopy as a procedure

First, the patient is instructed to undergo rectal endoscopy. Before the procedure, the patient must inform the doctor about any allergies and medication. Your doctor may also recommend an enema or laxative to empty your rectum before the endoscopy so that it can be better examined.

As soon as the patient is in the correct position, the doctor will begin the procedure to check the condition of the sphincter. Usually, the external area is also examined for possible changes.

The area is then cleaned and the viewfinder is gently inserted into the anus. Anesthesia is not usually used because the procedure is not very painful.

Taking a biopsy may cause minor discomfort and bleeding in patients. However, this is only temporary; usually the leak stops within a few days. Thus, the patient usually gets home without its major complications.

Your doctor can tell you about the results of anal endoscopy immediately after the procedure. As you can see, anal endoscopy is a good way to identify the cause of potential rectal problems.

A new run time will be reserved if follow-up is required due to the biopsy. This will give the final results a few weeks after the procedure.

Who is rectal endoscopy done for?

As stated above, rectal endoscopy allows the physician to see the patient inside the rectum. Thus, rectal endoscopy is performed if the patient complains of ailments in this area. The most common diseases in which rectal endoscopy is very convenient are:

• Adenoids
• Wet abscesses
• Cancer
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
• Possible ulcers
• Cracks that cause discomfort and bleeding
• Hemorrhoids (can lead to discomfort and bleeding; this method is only used when they are not visible on the outside).

Your doctor may also take advantage of rectal endoscopy if he or she needs a biopsy of the area. It may also be used in case the patient’s hemorrhoids need to be hung with rubber loops. However, there are several conditions where rectal endoscopy should not be done, such as a hemorrhoid crisis or ongoing inflammation.

Please note

The patient may experience severe pain and bleeding, as well as fever, chills, and even infection if an error occurs during the procedure.

Therefore, the patient should contact a doctor as soon as possible if he / she has any of the above symptoms. Avoid self-medication or other procedures unless your doctor tells you to.