To check the intestine, which is sensitive to pathological abnormalities, doctors use the method of rectoscopy. It is a quick examination, but very valuable in its benefits.
What is rectoscopy?
A rectoscopy is an endoscopy of the rectum. During this procedure, a doctor examines the rectum and, in the course of this, usually a part of the anus. A rectoscopy is a mirror examination of the rectum. During this procedure, a doctor examines the rectum and, in the course of this, usually also a part of the anus. However, only a few centimeters are involved. The doctors performing this examination use an endoscope. With this tube-shaped or tubular instrument, they reach the corresponding part of the intestine. Usually, this inspection takes place in a clinic or doctor’s office. Before the rectoscopy can begin, the patient must be given a laxative. This should be quite strong. Only in this way is it possible to completely empty the rectum. This, in turn, is very significant, as residual stool could prevent a proper view of the intestinal walls. The laxative effect of the suppository or enema sets in after a maximum of half an hour. The preparation time is accordingly short.
Function, effect and goals
During a rectoscopy, doctors insert an endoscope about 60 cm long completely into the anus. This is quite mobile and therefore, on the one hand, easier to handle and, on the other hand, somewhat more comfortable for the patient to use. In comparison, a rectoscope is static. During the examination, which lasts about 5 to 10 minutes, the patient lies either on his back or on his side. If the latter is chosen, this is done from the left side. If the physician has a rectoscopy table, the patient lies more comfortably in a knee-elbow position. If the instrument is in the rectum, air is blown into it. This enlarges the bowel, allowing the physician to examine this organ more closely. In this theoretically quite simple procedure, the physician performing the procedure checks the intestine for unusual changes. Polyps come into focus. These protrusions of the intestinal mucosa can develop into dangerous colon cancer at a later stage. Detecting and removing them is therefore particularly important. This can even be done immediately. Doctors remove the growths with the help of a snare. In addition to polyps, hemorrhoids can also be detected. They are responsible for unpleasant stool smearing, itching and even bleeding. They can also be removed, but this may require a stay in the hospital. Diverticula are other abnormal changes in the bowel that should also be checked. This is because these so-called outpouchings can become inflamed. Furthermore, during an endoscopy of the rectum, it is important to identify constrictions. They do not cause any major problems at first, but if left untreated they could lead to an obstruction of the bowel in the worst case. In addition, thanks to a rectoscopy, doctors can detect inflammation of the mucous membrane. Finally, it is possible to localize bleeding that has already occurred in the intestine and to treat it as quickly as possible. In this case, there may even be an enormous loss of blood. For this reason, doctors should always be on the lookout for bleeding in the course of rectal endoscopy. If cancer cells and tumors already exist in the intestine, doctors have the chance to determine the stage and development thanks to the examination. In addition, constipation, mucus in the stool, and chronic diseases of the intestine are also areas of application. The goals pursued by rectoscopy are extensive. Many pathological changes, which in the worst case can lead to the death of the patient, are detected by this control. Effort and benefit are therefore in a very good relationship, especially since this examination takes very little time.
Risks, side effects, and hazards
As a rule, endoscopies of the rectum are not associated with any serious complications. However, many patients find the procedure uncomfortable. On the one hand, this is due to the air blown into the intestine. On the other hand, the instrument also plays a role. The position of the endoscope or rectoscope can cause pain. However, the air also causes extreme flatulence, which those affected also perceive as very unpleasant.But these are easily tolerated side effects compared to other examinations and their risks. Only very rarely do more serious incidents occur even during a rectoscopy. These include an injury to the wall of the intestine. This not only causes bleeding, which must be stopped quickly. It can also result in peritonitis. But complete perforation, including damage to other organs, is also conceivable. Lesions of the sphincter muscle are just as unattractive. These have far-reaching consequences should incontinence develop. Damaged patients are then unable to control their bowel movements as before, which can be very unpleasant. Extremely bad, but equally rare, are blood poisoning and complex inflammations. Sepsis is the generic term here. These diseases occur in the course of a failed rectoscopy, when germs and pathogens enter the intestine and cannot be fought. Truly dangerous complications do not occur in most cases. However, the really bad consequences, because they have a long-term effect or are fatal in the worst case, hardly ever occur. Rectoscopy is therefore one of those examinations that can be regarded as low in terms of cost and risk. On the other hand, their benefit is all the greater.
