Getting Ready for Rectal Ultrasound
What is a Rectal Ultrasound?
A rectal ultrasound (RUS) involves passing a tube with an ultrasound tip into your rectum. The ultrasound can be used to find out the depth of rectal cancers and assess the nearby tissues. The RUS can also be used to assess problems with the anal sphincter muscles.
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Important – Read 1 week in advance. Procedure may be cancelled if instructions are not followed |
Getting Ready
1. 7 days before, you should stop taking the blood thinner Effient® (prasugrel).
2. 5 days before, you should stop taking:
- Iron.
- Blood thinners, such as Coumadin® (warfarin) or Plavix® (clopidogrel).
3. 2 days before, you should stop taking the blood thinner Pradaxa® (dabigatran).
Blood thinning pills should never be stopped without discussing this with the doctor who prescribes it for you. The doctor will give you instructions on how to safely do this. Contact us if you have questions.
4. Our staff will need to review your health history, prior surgeries, allergies,
and medicines taken. Please bring this information with you.
5. If you have an implanted pacemaker or defibrillator, we will need specific information about it before your procedure day. If you haven't already given us this information, please call us during business hours (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday) at (608) 263-8097. Ask to speak to the Procedure Coordinator
Day of the Rectal Ultrasound
- You may eat a light breakfast and light lunch.
- Follow the arrival and registration instructions in your cover letter. if you are delayed, call us at (608) 263-8094 to let us know you are going to be late. if you are over 30 minutes late, we may have to cancel and reschedule. We do our best to stay on time.
- Plan to be with us about 1 hour.
The Rectal Ultrasound
- A nurse will review your health history.
- You will be given 2 small enemas.
- The RUS will take about ½ hour.
After the Rectal Ultrasound
Your doctor will discuss results with you before you go home. You and the doctor who referred you will receive a copy of the report.
You can resume normal daily tasks.
You may have some gas pains from the air used to distend your colon. As you pass the air your gas pains should go away.
How to Contact Us
GI Procedure Center, 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, (608) 263-8097.
After clinic hours, this number will give you the paging operator. Ask for the Gastroenterology (GI) doctor on call. Leave your name and phone number with the area code. The doctor will call you back.
If you live out of the area, call 1-800-323-8942.
If you are not able to keep your appointment, please let us know 5 days in advance.
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: 05/31/2011
Copyright © 05/31/2011 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#6259
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