Rectal Exam under Anesthesia (no pouch)

This is an exam done by way of the rectum while you are asleep under anesthesia.

 

Bowel Prep

 

You will need to empty your bowels before the exam.  A few days before your exam, go to the drugstore and buy 1- bottle of magnesium citrate and 2-sodium phosphate enemas.

 

The Day before the Exam

 

• Eat a light breakfast and lunch, avoid greasy foods and red meat.
• Drink only clear liquids after lunch until midnight.

 

Water	Jell-O® homemade from a box only, no fruit in it
Clear broth	Sparkling water or soda
Juice with no pulp (apple)	Coffee or tea, no creamer
Hard candy Crystal Light® Popsicles	Gatorade® Special K2O® protein water

 

• At 2 pm drink at least a half the bottle of magnesium citrate (5 oz.)
• Drink only clear liquids until midnight.  Nothing after midnight.
• Shower before bed with Hibiclens® soap as instructed by your clinic.

 

Do not eat or drink after midnight.

 

The Day of the Exam

 

• Give yourself the first enema 1½ hours before you leave home.  Give yourself the second enema ½ hour later.  Shower.
• If your exam is not early morning, you do not need to wait to do the enemas.  Do them when you wake up in the morning.

 

After the Exam

 

Your care after the exam will depend on the results.

You may be able to go back to your normal routine in 1-2 days or you may need to follow more strict guidelines.  Your doctor will write detailed guidelines the day of the exam.

 

More strict guidelines may include:

• Plan to take off work a few days to a week.
• Do your household and outdoor chores ahead of time, or make plans for someone to help you for 1-2 weeks.
• Have someone to help watch your children for 1-2 days.

  Activities

• Wear loose clothes.
• Avoid sitting or standing for periods of more than 1 hour.
• You may have to limit lifting to no more than 20 pounds.
• If you had an exam only, you may be able to return to your normal routine in 2 days.
• You will see your surgeon 1-2 weeks after your exam.

 

Pain Relief

 

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

 

 Prevent Constipation

 

Pain pills can cause constipation.  A diet with enough fiber and water may prevent it. 

 

• 8-10 (8 oz.) glasses of fluids a day.  Fluids with caffeine do not count in this total.
• At least 4 servings of fruits or vegetables.
• At least 2-4 servings of whole grain bread or cereal.

 

You may use a stool softener (docusate sodium) and/or a bulk fiber laxative (such as Metamucil®) to prevent constipation.  You can buy these over the counter and follow the package directions.

 

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 #4755

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