RECTOSCOPY - is an endoscopic examination of the rectum - the final section of the large intestine, about 16-18 cm long, lying in the lesser pelvis along the sacrum. The examination involves inserting a speculum (RECTOSCOPE) into the lumen of the rectum and viewing the mucous membrane, assessing motility (peristaltic activity) and looking for abnormalities: polyps, inflammation, ulcers, vascular changes (varices), and tumours of this section of the large intestine. The examination also makes it possible to take tissue samples (biopsies) from abnormal areas and to remove polyps. Rectoscopy is a safe examination and can be repeated at short intervals. The examination requires two days of preparation (cleansing of the large intestine). It is performed with the patient lying on their left side or in the knee-elbow position, without anaesthesia, as it causes only slight discomfort.
PREPARATION FOR THE EXAMINATION:
The examination requires two days of preparation in order to cleanse the large intestine. If the above instructions are not followed, the examination cannot be performed.
Two days before the examination switch to a liquid diet, i.e. eat only foods of a liquid consistency – soups, juices, fruit jellies, custard-style pudding, coffee, tea…
On the day before the examination – in the evening at 20:00 give yourself a rectal enema using the ready-made ENEMA preparation, as follows: lie on your left side with your knees drawn up towards your abdomen; after moistening the applicator on the tip of the bottle and parting the buttocks, insert the applicator into the rectum to a depth of a few centimetres. Then squeeze the contents of the container into the rectum. Remain lying down for about 15 minutes. Only after this time may you go to the toilet to empty your bowels.
On the day of the examination – in the morning at 8:00 give yourself a rectal enema in the same way as in the evening. If the examination is scheduled for the afternoon, you may drink, but your last fluids must be drunk no later than 5 hours before the examination. If you take medicines, e.g. for high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease, please take them with a small amount of fluid.
When preparing, remember to insert the tip (“nozzle”) of the Enema correctly when giving the enema. The anal canal - i.e. the sphincter zone - is about 2-2.5 cm long. The enema will only be effective if the cleansing fluid reaches the rectum, i.e. the part of the bowel above the anal canal. If the fluid is delivered into the anal canal, it will flow back out, and the rectum will not be emptied properly. To insert the tip of the Enema nozzle correctly into the rectum, insert it far enough that the cap of the enema bottle rests against the anus, i.e. the mucocutaneous ring that closes the anal canal from the outside. Once the tip of the enema has been correctly inserted into the rectum, squeeze the cleansing fluid from the bottle into the rectum. Also remember to do this gently, without using force.