WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What do I need to know about a lower endoscopic gastrointestinal ultrasonography? A lower gastrointestinal endoscopic ultrasound is used to help diagnose and treat diseases that affect the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The lower GI tract includes some parts of the small intestine, the colon, and the rectum. How do I prepare for this procedure? Your healthcare provider will talk to you about how to prepare for the procedure. He may tell you not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of the procedure. He will tell you what medicines you may or may not take on the day of your procedure. What will happen during this procedure? - You may be given medicine to help you relax. You will be asked to lie on your left side and will need to raise one or both knees toward your chest. Your healthcare provider will examine your anus and use a finger to perform a digital rectal exam to check your rectum.
- The echoendoscope will be lubricated and gently placed into your anus. It will then be passed through the rectum and into the large intestine. The passage of the scope may cause a feeling of pressure and some discomfort. Your healthcare provider will slowly advance the scope while he watches its movement on a small video screen. He will also take pictures. Your healthcare provider may take tissue samples and send them to a lab for tests. He may also treat any known conditions you have.
What are the risks of this procedure? You may have bleeding, an abnormal heartbeat, high blood pressure, or trouble breathing. Your small intestines, large intestines, or rectum may get injured because of increased pressure from the scope. |