Contents
In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.
Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.
Rectoscopy, which is also called rectal endoscopy, is an endoscopic examination that allows to assess the morphological condition of the mucosa of the examined section of the large intestine.
Rectoscopy is one of the few studies that can examine the large intestine. Apart from it, the following can be mentioned: anoscopy (endoscopy of the anal canal and the end of the rectum), rectoromanoscopy (extended rectoscopy), sigmoidoscopy (colonoscopy of the end of the large intestine) and colonoscopy, i.e. colonoscopy along the entire length.
Rectoscopy It allows not only to take a fragment of an organ for further examination and subject it to an evaluation that gives a chance to explain inflammatory, ulcer or neoplastic changes, but also allows to remove any pathological changes, such as, for example, polyps, foreign bodies or bleeding from the large intestine.
Rectoscopy – indications
The most common indications for rectoscopy are:
- pain in the area of the anus, abdomen,
- a change in the rhythm of bowel movements or the shape of the bowel movement (bandy, pencil-shaped stools), vain urgency or involuntary passing of stools,
- rectal bleeding (also known as latent bleeding),
- traces of blood in the stool
- tumors in the anus,
- oozing discharge from the anus,
- unexplained itching of the anus,
- weight loss for no apparent reason,
- severe diarrhea of unknown cause
- suspicion of polyps,
- iron deficiency anemia of unknown cause,
- other (colonoscopy aimed at taking specimens of the mucosa to confirm the existence of certain disease processes, such as amyloidosis, among others).
Rectoscopy – preparation for the examination
48 hours before execution colon tests the patient should take liquid diet: broths, juices, strained soups, non-carbonated drinks, tea, jelly, pudding. To complete rectoscopy tests be prepared in advance. Rectal enema should be performed twice (using over-the-counter preparations, such as, for example, Rectanal, Enema): late in the evening the day before survey and on survey three hours before it starts. You can drink fluids on the day of the test.
Before rectoscopy some additional tests should be performed (coagulogram, excluding the carrier of infectious hepatitis virus, and ECG). The patient should inform the doctor about possible predisposition to increased bleeding, as well as allergy to drugs, especially anesthetics (lignocaine).
Rectoscopy – the course of the examination
Rectoscopy performed in a patient lying in the knee-elbow position with the knees spread. In people who are seriously ill or have changes in the musculoskeletal system, when it is not possible to assume the above-mentioned position, study is performed in the left-lateral Sims position (then the patient has contracted thighs, the buttocks are slightly extended beyond the edge of the table, the torso is slightly twisted so that the abdomen is facing the table).
Used in rectoscopy examination the speculum is called rectoscope, and is a metal, rigid tube having a length of 20 to 30 cm and a diameter of 2 cm. The rectal endoscopy tool for children has a smaller diameter (1 cm). With the help of supplied glass fibers rectoscope equipped with the so-called cold light. This tool examines the mucosa of a given section of the large intestine.
Before rectoscopy an enema of one liter of warm water is performed, as well as a routine rectal examination. Then the doctor inserts it into the patient’s rectum to a depth of about 5 cm, lubricated with an anesthetic rectoscope. Then the cap is removed from the speculum, thanks to which it is possible to gently insert it into the anus. The examiner may then continue to have an anal colonoscopy. Rectoscopy usually takes a few or several minutes. During the examination, pain may appear, as well as a feeling of pressure on the intestine.
Rectoscopy – complications
Rectoscopy belongs to the safe research. It can be performed in children and pregnant women. One of the possible complications there is a colon puncture, but this is very rare. Sometimes after study there is little bleeding. Occasionally there are also allergic reactions to the anesthetic.
If the patient after study will have abdominal pain, fever or other disturbing symptoms, he should contact a doctor.
Rectoscopy – contraindications
Contraindicationsand to be carried out rectoscopy are: exacerbation of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis (these are inflammatory diseases affecting the large intestine), symptoms of peritonitis, blood clotting disorders – especially in a situation where the doctor intends to take test material or remove polyps, severe diseases heart and lungs.