Medical Information
It provides information that cannot be obtained through other examinations. It is particularly effective for visualizing small abnormalities.
It is mainly useful for diagnosing certain tumors and/or determining their extent, as well as identifying some benign diseases. In some cases, it allows tissue samples to be taken for microscopic analysis.
Due to its unmatched performance, endoscopic ultrasound cannot currently be replaced by any other examination. When it is necessary, not performing it may have harmful consequences for your health.
Rectal endoscopic ultrasound must be preceded by bowel cleansing using enemas 2 hours before the examination.
The procedure uses a flexible device called an echo-endoscope, which is inserted through the anus into the rectum and then into the lower part of the sigmoid colon until the target organs are visualized.
You will be lying on your back or on your side. The examination is not painful. Biopsies may be taken if your doctor considers it necessary.
To improve comfort, general anesthesia may exceptionally be proposed and scheduled; it is systematically used when ultrasound-guided sampling is performed. The anesthesiologist will answer any questions regarding their role.
Between patients, and according to current regulations, the echo-endoscope is disinfected and accessories are discarded (single-use equipment). These procedures are standard to prevent infection transmission.
Complications of diagnostic rectal endoscopic ultrasound are extremely rare. The main risk is perforation of the digestive wall (more likely in case of narrowing of the digestive tract).
When ultrasound-guided sampling is performed, antibiotic treatment may be necessary.
Under cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization procedures validated and recommended by the French Society of Digestive Endoscopy, no cases of transmission of viral infections (hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, etc.) have ever been reported.
Some complications may be influenced by your medical or surgical history or by certain medications, particularly anticoagulants or aspirin. It is important to inform your doctor of all this information before the procedure.
These rare complications may also appear a few days after the examination (abdominal pain, fever, chills, etc.). In such cases, it is very important to contact immediately the doctor and/or anesthesiologist who performed the procedure.