What is a Rectal Examination under Anesthesia (EUA) with Possible Rectal Biopsy?
What Is a Rectal EUA?
A rectal exam under anesthesia (EUA) is performed by your child’s surgeon in the operating room. This is done while your child is asleep. This allows your child to be more comfortable and allows a more complete exam of the rectum. The results of the EUA will be used to determine your child’s diagnosis. It will also be used to plan your child’s surgery and/or to plan your child’s treatment options.
What Is a Rectal Biopsy?
During the EUA, the surgeon takes a small sample of tissue (rectal biopsy) and sends it to pathology to determine if the cells in your child’s rectum are normal. The results of the biopsy may be used to determine your child’s diagnosis. It may also be used to plan your child’s surgery and/or to plan your child’s treatment options.
Before the Exam
The nurse will call you 48 hours prior to the surgery. They will discuss:
- Rules about eating and drinking
- When you need to arrive at the hospital
Talk with the doctor if your child takes any medicine. Do not give your child any medicine on the morning of surgery unless your child’s doctor tells you to.
On the day of surgery, the care team will make sure your child is ready for the exam.
After the Exam
- Your child will not be admitted to the hospital after the exam unless they have other procedures that require them to stay at the hospital.
- Your child will go to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) until they are awake and ready to go home with you.
- Your child should not have any discomfort after the procedure.
- The surgeon will discuss the results of the exam with you.
- The final results of the biopsy take one to two weeks. When the final results are back your surgeon will review them with you.
When to Call the Doctor
Call your child’s doctor if:
- Your child has a fever (100.4°F or higher) within 48 hours of the exam
- Your child has any discomfort after this procedure
- Your child has any blood in the stool after the procedure
Call the Colorectal Center if you notice any of these issues or if you have any questions or concerns, 513-636-3240.
