Jump to
Rectal endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
Rectal endoscopic ultrasound is a test that allows your doctor to look at the walls of your lower gastrointestinal tract. A rectal ultrasound does not use X-rays or other radiation.
The doctor uses a thin, lighted tube that bends. It's called an endoscope, or scope. The scope has an ultrasound probe and camera at the tip. The doctor gently inserts the scope into your rectum and moves it to the area to be examined. The scope can take pictures of organs and tissues to check for problems in the colon.
The procedure can take up to an hour if a biopsy is done.
How do you prepare for a rectal endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)?
Procedures can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for your procedure.
Preparing for the procedure
- The day before your procedure, your doctor may ask you to drink a "colon prep" liquid. You will want to stay home, because the liquid will make you go to the bathroom a lot. The liquid will make you pass loose, watery stools. It is very important to drink all of the "colon prep" liquid.
- Be sure you have someone to take you home. Anesthesia and pain medicine will make it unsafe for you to drive or get home on your own.
- Understand exactly what procedure is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
- Tell your doctor ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies you take. Some may increase the risk of problems during your procedure. Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking any of them before the procedure and how soon to do it.
- If you take a medicine that prevents blood clots, your doctor may tell you to stop taking it before your procedure. Or your doctor may tell you to keep taking it. (These medicines include aspirin and other blood thinners.) Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do.
- Make sure your doctor and the hospital have a copy of your advance directive. If you don’t have one, you may want to prepare one. It lets others know your health care wishes. It’s a good thing to have before any type of surgery or procedure.
©2011-2026 Healthwise, Incorporated
The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.