What is Rectal Biopsy?
A rectal biopsy involves removing a small piece of rectal
(anal) tissue and using it for diagnostic examination.
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Effects of Rectal Biopsy
One of the uses of rectal biopsy is to determine the cause
of abnormal growths found on anoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or
other tests. Also, the procedure can be used to confirm the
diagnosis of
amyloidosis.
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Candidates for Rectal Biopsy
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Your
Consultation
You will be asked to defecate prior to the procedure. A
laxative, enema or other preparation may be administered for
your use.
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The Rectal Biopsy
Procedure
Initially, a digital rectal examination is done. The doctor
inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to
verify if anything will block the insertion of the anoscope.
After that, a lubricated anoscope (or sometimes a rectal
speculum or proctoscope) is then inserted, which will induce
some pressure.
A
biopsy can be
achieved through any of these scopes. The scope is a short
tube with a light connected with it; it amplifies the rectum
to permit the doctor to look at the entire anal canal.
Anesthetic is admitted through the anoscope, then biopsy
forceps, a
cytology brush,
culture swab, or suction catheter is introduced through the
anoscope to obtain a sample. Next, the scope is slowly
removed.
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Recovery
The doctor will be able to inform the patient whether the
results are normal or abnormal as soon as the procedure is
over. The patient can then resume normal activities.
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Risks
The risks of bleeding, pain and perforation may be possible.
It is also possible that some patients may have problems
with urinary retention after rectal biopsy.
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Frequently Asked
Questions
Q: How
will the test feel?
A:
You may experience a little bit of pressure during the
procedure and may even feel an urge to defecate. A fair
amount of cramping may occur as the anoscope is inserted,
but there should be minor pain.
Q:
What is the purpose of a rectal biopsy?
A:
A
rectal biopsy is performed to detect the cause of abnormal
growths found on anoscopy, sigmoidoscopy or other tests.
Additionally, it can be used to confirm the diagnosis of
amyloidosis.
Q:
What are the normal values in rectal biopsy results?
A:
The anus and rectum would look normal in color, size and
shape. No evidence of bleeding, polyps, hemorrhoids, or
other abnormalities must be present. On microscopic
examination of biopsy tissue, no abnormalities should be
seen.
Q:
What do abnormal results mean?
A:
This test is one of the more customary alternatives to
confirm amyloidosis. It also rules out the particular causes
of abnormal conditions of the rectum, such as colitis. Other
findings could include colorectal polyps, abscesses,
inflammation, infection, hemorrhoids or tumors.
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