Rectoscopy is a procedure involving endoscopy of the lower part of the large intestine - rectum and partially the sigmoid colon. A rectoscope approximately 25 cm long and 2 cm in diameter is inserted into the rectum. The rectoscope contains a built-in camera and a light source, thanks to which the image of the inside of the intestine is observed by the doctor on the monitor screen. The main aim of the study is to assess the intestinal mucosa in terms of pathological changes, e.g. diverticula, polyps and colorectal cancer. During the examination, the doctor takes a section of the suspicious lesion for histopathological examination. Rectoscopy can also be used to perform simple surgeries, such as removing polyps or stopping bleeding. Rectoscopy is a safe and painless examination, so you should not be afraid of it.
Indications for rectoscopy
The disturbing symptoms indicating an indication for rectoscopy include:
Blood in the stool (test for occult blood)
Rectal bleeding
Constipation alternating with diarrhea,
Feeling of pressure on your stool
Pencil shape of the stool,
Pain in the anus,
Lower abdominal pain,
Suspicion of inflammatory bowel diseases, incl. ulcerative colitis,
Iron deficiency anemia,
Weight loss for no apparent reason
Endometriosis.
Rectoscopy is also performed for therapeutic indications, e.g. the need to remove polyps, remove a foreign body, stop bleeding, widen the narrowing of the large intestine.
What does the rectoscopy procedure look like?
During the examination, the patient is in the knee-elbow position. In exceptional situations (significant weakness, old age), it is allowed to lie on the side. The doctor performs a rectal examination and then inserts a speculum into the rectum. You may experience a slight feeling of distension when inserting the rectoscope. The speculum is covered with a special anesthetic gel, which makes the examination itself painless. Rectoscopy for diagnostic purposes usually takes about 10 minutes. The procedure may take a little longer in the case of therapeutic rectoscopy, the purpose of which will be, for example, the removal of previously diagnosed polyps.
Rectoscopy - preparation
Proper preparation makes it much easier for the doctor to perform the examination. The detailed preparation method is discussed with the doctor during the initial visit. Usually, you will need to modify your diet at least three days before the test. It is advisable to eat liquid or semi-liquid foods and to refrain from bloating and hard-to-digest meals. The day before the examination, an enema should be performed in the evening. On the day of the examination, you can only drink water and a second enema should be performed about 1-2 hours before the rectoscopy. It is not necessary to discontinue the medications taken so far (e.g. drugs for high blood pressure, antiarrhythmic drugs). However, laxatives must not be used, as this would make it difficult for the doctor to perform the test.
Frequently asked questions about rectoscopy:
Rectoscopy is also known as an endoscopy of the rectum. During the examination, the patient is in the knee-elbow position or lying on his side. The doctor inserts a camera with a light source (rectoscope) through the anus. Thanks to covering the speculum with an anesthetic, the examination is very well tolerated by the patient. The diagnostic procedure of rectoscopy enables the detection of pathological changes in the intestinal wall, such as polyps, diverticula, ulcers and colorectal cancer. Rectoscopy also allows you to remove the detected lesions and stop any bleeding.
The rectoscopy procedure is painless, although it is possible to feel a slight discomfort related to the presence of a rectoscope in the intestine.
3 days before the procedure, you should start using an easily digestible diet, preferably in a liquid form. In the evening before the examination, an enema should be performed. On the day of the examination, do not eat anything, only drink water. A second enema should be performed 1-2 hours before rectoscopy. Proper preparation makes it easier for the doctor to perform the examination.
