Rectal Ultrasound (RUS)

What is Rectal Ultrasound?

Rectal ultrasound is a procedure that combines endoscopy and ultrasound to create images of the lower digestive tract and nearby organs and tissues. During a RUS, a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope is inserted through he rectum. An ultrasound device on the tip of the tube uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of the digestive tract and other organs and tissues. RUS helps find diseases in these organs and tissues and the digestive tract.
Sometimes a small needle is attached to the tube. This device is used to remove tissue that will be tested in a lab. This procedure is called fine-needle aspiration or fine-needle biopsy.

How to Prepare for Rectal Ultrasound

You will receive instructions from your physician’s office that clearly explain how to prepare for your RUS. You will most likely need to take medicine to clean out your colon or follow a liquid diet. You will be required to fast for a number of hours on the day of your procedure. You may need to stop certain medications a few days prior to your procedure, such as aspirin, prescribed blood thinners, and/or GLP-1 agonists (weight loss drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Trulicity, etc.).
What Does an Rectal Endoscopy Involve?
Upon arrival to your appointment, a nurse and anesthesia provider will review your medical history and medications, and then place an I.V. prior to your procedure. You will then be taken to a private procedure room for the procedure. When it is time to begin the examination, you will be asked to lay on your left side. The anesthesia provider will then begin intravenous (IV) sedation. Once the sedation takes effect, the endoscope will be carefully inserted through your rectum into the colon. The gastroenterologist will view the interior lining on a video monitor and will view the surrounding organs with ultrasound. Sometimes fine needle aspiration or biopsy is used to remove tissue that will be sent to a laboratory for testing. On average the procedure takes 15-20 minutes. You will be closely monitored throughout the procedure.

What Happens After?

You will be taken to our recovery area for about 30 minutes. You will be monitored closely until you are fully awake. You may feel bloated or feel the need to pass gas. You will be given water to drink and your I.V. will be removed. You will be provided with instructions explaining the procedure results, dietary instructions and any follow-up needed. You must have someone available to drive you home. You should rest and not drive or go to work for the remainder of the day. Our nursing staff will call you the following business day to see how you are feeling and answer any questions you may have. Your physician will notify you of any laboratory results once he/she receives them.