Endorectal Ultrasound

Endorectal Ultrasound

We have given you this factsheet to explain what will happen at your endorectal ultrasound scan. If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact our team using the details at the end of this factsheet.

What is an endorectal ultrasound scan?
An endorectal ultrasound scan is a procedure to examine the rectum (back passage) and surrounding area. The scan involves taking images via an ultrasound probe that is placed through the anus.

Why do I need to have an endorectal ultrasound scan?
There are a range of different reasons for having this scan. For example, we may need to:

• assess a polyp or tumour in your rectum to help us diagnose any problems and plan the best treatment for you
• monitor you after treatment

You may also have been sent for other tests alongside your endorectal ultrasound scan.

What will happen before the scan?
The procedure has been explained to you by your doctor. Should you have any further questions before the appointment, please contact them to clarify. The doctor performing the procedure will also be available to discuss matters further. If you are happy to proceed, you will be asked to sign the consent form.

On the day of the scan, you will need to have an enema (liquid passed into your back passage) this is to ensure that your bowels are emptied. This will be done after your arrival in the unit. You will be taken to an enema room and the enema will be administered by a nurse; you will remain in this room to ensure you have easy access to a toilet until you have opened your bowels.

What will happen during the scan?
During the scan a camera will be passed into your back passage, similar to the previous procedure you have undergone – although this will not be passed as far as previously. The camera has an ultrasound scanner at the tip, which allows the doctor to examine the area of concern. You may feel an urge to open your bowels during the procedure. This is normal, but if you find it too uncomfortable, please tell the doctor and they will pause or stop the procedure.

What will happen after the scan?
You will be able to go home and carry on with your normal routine after the scan.

The results of the scan are not usually available immediately. We will arrange a further appointment for you once you have had all your tests.

What are the risks?

• You may feel some discomfort during the procedure and you will experience an urge sensation as if you need to open your bowels.
• You may notice some blood when you open your bowels.
• In very rare cases (less than 1 in 3,000 scans), there may be bowel perforation (when a hole develops in your bowel), which may need additional treatment as directed by your doctor.

What are the alternatives?
Many people will need to have a CT scan and an MRI scan as well as the endorectal ultrasound scan. The results of all the tests will help us to plan the best treatment for you. If you decide not to have the endorectal ultrasound scan, it may be more difficult to decide which treatment option is likely to be best for you.

Contact us
If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact us.

If your symptoms or condition worsens, or if you are concerned about anything, please call your GP, 111, or 999.

Patient Experience
We know that being admitted to hospital can be a difficult and unsettling time for you and your loved ones. If you have any questions or concerns, please do speak with a member of staff on the ward or in the relevant department who will do their best to answer your questions and reassure you. 

Feedback
Feedback is really important and useful to us – it can tell us where we are working well and where improvements can be made. There are lots of ways you can share your experience with us including completing our Friends and Family Test – cards are available and can be posted on all wards, departments and clinics at our hospitals. We value your comments and feedback and thank you for taking the time to share this with us.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
If you have any concerns or questions about your care, we advise you to talk with the nurse in charge or the department manager in the first instance as they are best placed to answer any questions or resolve concerns quickly. If the relevant member of staff is unable to help resolve your concern, you can contact the PALS Team. We offer informal help, advice or support about any aspect of hospital services & experiences.

Our PALS team will liaise with the various departments in our hospitals on your behalf, if you feel unable to do so, to resolve your problems and where appropriate refer to outside help.

If you are still unhappy you can contact the Complaints Department, who can investigate your concerns. You can make a complaint orally, electronically or in writing and we can advise and guide you through the complaints procedure.

How to contact PALS:
Telephone Patient Services: 0300 123 1732 or via email at: [email protected]

Opening times:
The PALS telephone lines are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.00pm. Please be aware that you may need to leave a voicemail message, but we aim to return your call within one working day.If you are unable to understand this leaflet, please communicate with a member of staff.  

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