What is rectal endoscopic ultrasound?
Rectal endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a way to determine the local extent of a cancer or polyp of the rectum. Your doctor uses a narrow, flexible tube with an ultrasound tip to see if cancer has grown through the outer lining of the rectum. Additionally, your doctor can look for lymph glands and take a biopsy with a fine needle to determine if cancer has spread. When is it used? The doctor may suggest this procedure if: • You have cancer of the rectum • You have a large polyp of the rectum and there is concern for cancer • You have had a cancerous polyp removed and your doctor wants to look for lymph glands How do I prepare for a rectal EUS? You will be given two enemas to take the morning of your test to cleanse the end of your colon. You do not have to fast for this test. What happens during the procedure? The doctor will insert a tube with an ultrasound tip into your rectum. The doctor will then use ultrasound to view the cancer or polyp and determine the local spread or extent. You
