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Disturbing rectal symptoms or suspected prostate abnormalities require a quick response. In the diagnosis of these structures, transrectal ultrasound, i.e. ultrasound performed through the rectum, is used. This is an important imaging test, and while it can be psychologically uncomfortable, transrectal ultrasound is painless and quick. How to prepare for it and how does it proceed?
What is transrectal ultrasound?
Transrectal ultrasound, also referred to as Transrectal ultrasoundis one of the most important diagnostic tests in diseases of the anus and pelvic organs. As the name suggests, it is performed through the anus, so the doctor inserts an ultrasound probe inside the anus. Although the thought of this type of test may cause negative feelings in the patient, it is not a painful or invasive test. It is short-lived, but has great diagnostic value.
The principle of rectal ultrasound does not differ from traditional ultrasound examinations of other parts of the body performed through the skin. The ultrasound head emits ultrasonic waves, thanks to which the monitor shows the image of the examined organ or structure in real time. Ultrasound is harmless, which distinguishes it from X-rays, the doses of which should be limited.
Transrectal ultrasound with three-dimensional imaging
The most modern equipment allows us to obtain ultrasound with three-dimensional imaging. The examination uses a rotary head and obtains a 3D image of the entire circumference of the anus and the pelvic floor. This form of diagnostics is useful when it is necessary to evaluate neoplastic changes and nearby lymph nodes. It is also used after proctological surgeries, in women after childbirth (if the sphincter has been damaged), as well as to assess other pathological changes of the anus.
3D transrectal ultrasound images of the anus can be viewed from all sides in a computerized system. This allows for accurate diagnostics and detection of even small changes.
- Learn also about the indications, preparation and course of the scrotal ultrasound.
Transrectal ultrasound – indications
The need for transrectal ultrasound may be confirmed by a gastrologist, proctologist or surgeon. There are also urological prerequisites for transrectal ultrasound – we are talking then about Transrectal ultrasound of the prostate gland, that is TRUS.
Indications for transrectal ultrasound are different. The examination may be one of the stages in the diagnosis of the abdominal cavity, if the doctor deems it appropriate. It is often performed when symptoms such as pain in the anus, constipation, diarrhea, faecal or gas incontinence, urinary and stool pressure, anal fissure, and blood in the stool appear. Transrectal ultrasound is also used to control the situation after rectal or rectal surgery, to assess sphincter damage (e.g. after natural childbirth), mucosa damage and inflammatory diseases.
Ultrasonography allows for the diagnosis of abscesses, polyps, anal and rectovaginal fistulas, as well as anal and prostate cancer.
TRUS study is performed mainly when:
- a benign prostatic hyperplasia was found;
- there is a suspicion of prostate cancer;
- there is an increased concentration of the specific PSA antigen in blood;
- the rectal examination was abnormal.
Transrectal ultrasound is also an important part transrectal biopsy of the prostate gland. In order to collect a tissue fragment from the prostate, an ultrasound head with a biopsy attachment is inserted into the anus. This enables the safe use of a special needle and control of the entire process on the monitor.
Transrectal ultrasound price may vary between PLN 130–200.
- Also read: Gynecological ultrasound – what you should know
Contraindications to transrectal ultrasound
Although ultrasonography is a safe examination and usually does not have any contraindications, special circumstances may limit the possibility of performing it through the rectum. Transrectal ultrasound requires the insertion of a special oblong head into the anus, several centimeters deep. If you have anal canal stenosis, it will make the test difficult or impossible. There may also be a contraindication to transrectal ultrasound rectal perforation. The doctor makes the decision about the possibility of performing an ultrasound.
Preparation for transrectal ultrasound
Before a transient ultrasound examination, it is recommended to have a bowel movement and urinate. It is also better to refrain from eating two or three hours before going to the clinic, and choose easily digestible products the day before. If a rectal tumor is suspected, the bowel must be emptied. For this purpose, kits for rectal infusion. Your doctor may recommend an enema a few hours before the ultrasound or the day before.
It is also worth taking the results of previous tests, if any, for the visit.
Transrectal ultrasound – what is it?
The transrectal ultrasound procedure can be performed by a specialist with appropriate training or clinical experience. Most often, it requires the patient to undress from the waist down, lie down on the left side and pull the knees to the stomach. Before inserting the probe into the anus, the doctor protects it with a cover and then covers it with a gel, which will facilitate a painless examination.
The head is placed in the anus a few centimeters deep. The ultrasound it emits will allow you to observe the image on the monitor. Different sections of the anus and pelvic organs are obtained. With 3D imaging, a spatial image is created that can be freely viewed from different angles. After the ultrasound examination is completed, the doctor will inform the patient about the results and possibly about the further suggested course of treatment.