Lower Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Ultrasonography
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
What do I need to know about a lower endoscopic gastrointestinal ultrasonography?
A lower gastrointestinal endoscopic ultrasound is used to help diagnose and treat diseases that affect the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The lower GI tract includes some parts of the small intestine, the colon, and the rectum.
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How do I prepare for this procedure?
- Your healthcare provider will tell you how to prepare. He or she may tell you not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of the procedure. Arrange to have someone drive you home after the procedure.
- Tell your provider about all medicines you currently take. He or she will tell you if you need to stop any medicine for the procedure, and when to stop. He or she will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of the procedure.
- Tell your provider if you had similar procedures and when they were done. These may include a colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or upper or lower GI x-rays. Tell him or her if you had any surgeries on your GI tract.
- You may need to have blood tests, urine tests, or x-rays before your procedure.
What will happen during the procedure?
- You may be given medicine to help you relax. You will be asked to lie on your left side and raise one or both knees toward your chest. Your healthcare provider will examine your anus and use a finger to perform a digital rectal exam to check your rectum.
- The echoendoscope will be placed into your anus. It will then be passed through the rectum and into the large intestine. You may feel some pressure or discomfort. Your provider will slowly move the scope forward while he or she watches its movement on a screen. He or she will also take pictures. Tissue samples may be taken and sent to a lab for tests. Your provider may also treat any conditions you have.
What are the risks of a lower endoscopic gastrointestinal ultrasonography?
You may have bleeding, an abnormal heartbeat, high blood pressure, or trouble breathing. Your small intestines, large intestines, or rectum may get injured because of increased pressure from the scope.
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