Rectal Exam Under Anesthesia (Eua)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

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Rectal EUA is used to look for problems in your anus, rectum, or surrounding area. You may need a rectal EUA because of hemorrhoids, abnormal bleeding, a mass, or other problems. This exam helps your healthcare provider do a complete examination of your rectum. A biopsy may be taken if needed.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call your doctor if:

• You have a fever.
• You have pain that does not get better with medicine.
• You have more blood than expected in your bowel movement.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Medicines:

You may need any of the following:

• Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
• NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Self-care:

• Keep your anal area clean. After a bowel movement, wipe with moist towelettes or wet toilet paper. Dry toilet paper can irritate the area. Wear a sanitary pad to absorb bleeding and keep the area clean and dry.
• Apply ice on your anus for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover it with a towel before you put it on your skin. Ice helps prevent tissue damage and decreases swelling and pain.
• Take a sitz bath. A sitz bath can help decrease pain and swelling. Do this 3 times a day, and after each bowel movement. Fill a bathtub with 4 to 6 inches of warm water. You may also use a sitz bath pan that fits inside a toilet bowl. Sit in the sitz bath for 15 minutes.

Follow up with your doctor as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

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