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 |
Jello-O® homade from a box only, no fruit, etc, 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 K20® 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.
You will be able to have clear liquids up to four hours before the procedure. No solid foods.
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. .
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 may 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
Digestive Health Center: (608) 890-5000.
After hours, weekends or holidays this number will be answered by the paging operator. Ask for the doctor on call or ask for Dr. Harms, Heise, Kennedy, or Foley. Leave your name and phone number with area code. The doctor will call you back.
If you live out of the area, call (855) 342-9900.
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: 04/24/2013
Copyright © 10/22/2012 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#4755
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