What Is Rectal Ultrasonography?

Rectal ultrasonography is a method that utilizes ultrasound equipment to examine for intestinal neoplastic diseases and inflammatory diseases. Ultrasonography is a non-invasive, painless, and repeatable examination method. Patients can undergo rectal ultrasonography as prescribed by their doctors to further clarify the diagnosis and undergo targeted treatment. It is important to control diet, avoid spicy and greasy foods. Rectal ultrasonography is generally used to examine the prostate or the uterus of women. This examination usually does not cause significant discomfort or pain, and the examination time is approximately 10 minutes. During the examination, there may be a slight sensation of having to pass stool near the anus. It is recommended to relax slightly and actively cooperate with the doctor. Timely examination and subsequent treatment based on the examination results are essential. Generally, patients need to undergo appropriate bowel preparation or use a laxative to empty the rectum before undergoing transrectal ultrasonography. It is also important for patients to relax the anus before the examination. Transrectal ultrasonography is suitable for the diagnosis of prostate and seminal vesicle diseases, perianal abscesses, anal fistulas, and other infectious diseases, anal canal and rectal occupations, preoperative staging and postoperative follow-up of rectal tumors, and other anal and rectal and surrounding diseases. However, patients with anal and rectal stenosis, undischarged foreign bodies in the rectum or sigmoid colon, mental illness that prevents cooperation, hemorrhagic tendencies, or severe pain intolerance should not undergo this examination. Pregnant women should carefully consider the option of intracavitary ultrasonography.