Endoscopic Ultrasound (Rectal): What to Expect at Home
Your Recovery
After you have a rectal endoscopic ultrasound—a test to find problems in your lower gastrointestinal tract—you will stay at the hospital or clinic for 1 to 2 hours. This will allow the medicine to wear off. You will be able to go home after your doctor or nurse checks to make sure you are not having any problems.
After the test, you may be bloated or have gas pains. You may need to pass gas. If a biopsy was done, you may have streaks of blood in your stool (feces) for a few days.
This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover. But each person recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below to feel better as quickly as possible.
How can you care for yourself at home?
Activity
- Rest as much as you need to after you go home.
- You should be able to go back to your usual activities the day after the test.
- Ask your doctor when you can drive again.
Diet
- Follow your doctor's directions for eating after the test.
- Drink plenty of fluids (unless your doctor has told you not to).
Other instructions
- If you had a biopsy to sample tissue, a small amount of bleeding at the biopsy site is normal.
- Do not sign legal documents or make major decisions until the medicine effects are gone and you can think clearly. The anesthesia medicine can make it hard for you to fully understand what you are agreeing to.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
When should you call for help?
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
- Your stools are maroon or very bloody.
- You have trouble breathing.
Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have new or worse belly pain.
- You have new or more blood in your stools.
- You are sick to your stomach or cannot drink fluids.
- You cannot pass stools or gas.
- You have pain that does not get better after you take pain medicine.
- You have a fever.
Watch closely for any changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if you have any problems.
Current as of: October 19, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
