Rectal Exam under Anesthesia (with pouch)

This is an exam of the rectum and ileal pouch while you are asleep under anesthesia.

 

Bowel Prep  

 

You will need to empty your pouch before the exam.  Buy 1 sodium phosphate enema at a drugstore.

 

The Day before the Exam  

• Eat a light breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Avoid greasy foods and red meat.
• Drink only clear liquids after dinner.
  • water
  • broth
  • juice with no pulp (apple)
  • popsicles
  • hard candy
  • Special K2O® protein water
  • Jell-O® homemade from box only, no fruit in it
  • sparkling water or soda
  • coffee or tea, no creamer
  • Gatorade®
  • Crystal Light®

 

• Shower before bed with Hibiclens® soap as instructed by your clinic.

 

Nothing to eat or drink after midnight.

 

The Day of the Exam

Gently, give yourself the rectal enema 1-1½ hours before you leave for the hospital.  Shower.

 

After the Exam

Your care after the exam will depend on the findings.  If you had a dilation, you may be able to return to your normal routine in 2 days or you may need to follow more strict guidelines.  Your doctor will write detailed guidelines the day of the exam.

 

Activities

• Wear loose clothing.
• Avoid sitting or standing for more than 1 hour at a time.
• You may have to limit lifting to no more than 20 pounds.
• Plan to see your surgeon 1-2 weeks after your exam.

 

Pain Relief

You may have pain after your exam. Your doctor will order pain pills for you.

 

When to Call the Doctor

• Problems having a bowel movement.
• Temperature by mouth over 100.4°F for two readings taken four hours apart.
• Pain not relieved by pain pills.
• Bleeding that does not stop after 10 minutes of applied pressure to the rectal area.

 

Phone Numbers

 

Surgery Clinic: 608-263-7502. This is a 24 hour number. 

 

After hours, weekends, or holidays ask for the doctor on call for Dr.  ________________.  Be sure to leave your name and phone number with the area code.  We will call you back.

 

Toll Free:  1-800-323-8942

 

The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 02/26/2008

Copyright © 02/26/2008 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #4756

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