Preparation for rectoscopy of the rectum: diet and cleaning methods

An examination by a proctologist should be included in the list of mandatory annual events. Despite the uncomfortable sensations inherent in this procedure, early detection of diseases facilitates treatment. An accurate diagnosis is made using special equipment. Preparation for rectoscopy takes several days and involves a thorough cleansing of the rectum and a light diet.

Features of sigmoidoscopy

In the presence of intestinal pathologies, the correct conclusion can be made only by resorting to instrumental methods of diagnosis. One of the most popular techniques is considered to be the procedure for examining the inner surface of the intestine.

Sigmoidoscopy (rectoscopy) is an endoscopic examination of the intestine, located at a distance of up to 35 cm from the anus. A visual examination is done using a sigmoidoscope. This method is used as a mandatory element of proctological examination. For patients who have reached the age of 40, it is recommended for annual passage.

In the process of this manipulation, the following possibilities appear:

• detection of malignant neoplasms;
• assessment of the intestinal walls for their elasticity, muscle tone and features of the vascular pattern.

Even microscopic neoplasms that are not detected within the framework of other methods can be detected with its help.

Features of the sigmoidoscope

The device includes a metal tube with a diameter of 10 to 20 mm, with a built-in lighting device, an air supply mechanism and optical glasses.

In addition to examining the intestines, the instrument allows you to perform the following manipulations:

• remove foreign objects;
• take a biopsy;
• remove polyps;
• perform vascular coagulation.

Depending on the symptomatology present, rigid or flexible instrumentation is used.

Indications for the procedure

A specialist prescribes a study if the patient has the following manifestations of intestinal diseases:

• discomfort in the anal area;
• haemorrhoids;
• regular stool disorders;
• periodic constipation;
• discomfort during bowel movements;
• purulent discharge from the anus;

In the presence of inflammatory bowel processes, this manipulation is included in the list of mandatory measures.

With the help of a rectoscope, proctosigmoiditis, cracks, polyps, ulcerative colitis, benign and malignant neoplasms are detected.

Contraindications to rectoscopy

Sigmoidoscopy is an affordable way of examining the intestines, which has practically no contraindications. Inspection is undesirable in the presence of the following processes or diseases:

• bleeding from the anus;
• mental disorders;
• acute paraproctitis;
• large anal fissures;
• heart failure;
• narrowing of the intestinal lumen;
• peritonitis.

If there is a need for an emergency examination, the procedure is performed under local anesthesia.

Preparation for rectoscopy of the intestine

Due to the fact that fecal masses make it difficult to diagnose, the intestines should be cleaned before visiting the doctor. To ensure that an accurate diagnosis is made, the proctologist recommends that the subject follow a slag-free diet for several days before the manipulation.

Features of the menu before the procedure

Since medical nutrition is short-term, it has no contraindications. The only exception is individual intolerance to a particular product. The main principle of the diet is to avoid rough foods and focus on easily digestible foods.

Table 1. Recommended and prohibited foods

It is forbidden	Can
fatty fish; potatoes; mutton; pork; duck; strong black tea; spices; dairy products with a high percentage of fat; confectionery; black bread; pasta; coffee; pearl barley porridge; chocolate; beer and kvass; legumes; nuts; soda; alcohol; saturated juices.	lean fish and meat; steamed vegetables; fat-free fermented milk products; herbal teas; unsaturated juices.

Steam is preferable for products.

Approximate diet

3 days before manipulation:

1. Breakfast: 200 ml of tea, oatmeal, 1 toast.
2. Second breakfast: 250 ml of fat-free fermented baked milk.
3. Lunch: chicken broth, 2 steamed meatballs, cucumber salad.
4. Afternoon snack: cottage cheese casserole and compote.
5. Dinner: biscuit biscuits and 250 ml of kefir with a low percentage of fat.

For 2 days:

1. Breakfast: hibiscus, buckwheat, 1 slice of white bread.
2. Second breakfast: 250 ml of dairy products.
3. Lunch: steamed sea fish, rice porridge and juice.
4. Afternoon snack: low-fat yogurt.
5. Dinner: tea and semolina.

For 1 day:

1. Breakfast: 1 soft-boiled egg, toast and fruit compote.
2. Lunch: green tea, broth and non-nutritive biscuits.

Due to the fact that medical nutrition is designed exclusively for cleansing the body, it is recommended to reduce physical activity. The diet will help stabilize intestinal activity and reduce gas production.

Cleaning methods

To cleanse the rectum is possible through the use of drugs with laxative effects or enemas. A positive result is achieved in both cases. The patient chooses a cleansing method based on the individual characteristics of the body.

Fortrans

A safe product that does not affect the state of microflora and chemical processes in the body. Due to the slowing down of the process of absorption of liquid, softening and release of feces occurs.

The advantage is that there is no discomfort during bowel movements. Among the disadvantages is the risk of allergic reactions. This drug is not recommended for patients with renal pathologies, acute intestinal obstruction and heart failure.

Reception features:

1. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
2. Usage scheme: 1 bag per 20 kg of weight. If, for example, 3.5 packages are needed, round up to 4.
3. The powder should be diluted with 1 liter of drinking water and drunk for 1 hour in small sips.
4. A slice of lemon will remove the unpleasant aftertaste and nausea.
5. If the subject has frequent vomiting, it is necessary to take "Motilak" in advance.

Depending on the time of the manipulation, there are 2 schemes for using "Fortrans".

Table 2. Reception schemes "Fortrans"

Times of Day	Recommendations
Morning	The final meal is no later than 12 hours before the day of the examination. The patient is then allowed to drink a light chicken broth or juice. In the evening, you need to drink 2 bags, take a 60-minute break and finish the remaining bags. As a rule, the urge to defecate appears 60 minutes after the first serving and ends 3 hours after the final packet is consumed.
After lunch	2 packets of "Fortrans" should be consumed after 6 pm 1 day before the visit to the doctor. The remaining dose should be drunk early in the morning.

Fleet phospho-soda

The drug perfectly softens fecal matter and is not absorbed by the circulatory system. Contraindications for use are identical with Fortrans. It is also undesirable to take the drug for patients on a salt-free diet.

Table 3. Features of taking "Fleet phospho-soda"

Times of Day	Recommendations
Morning	1 day before the manipulation, it is allowed to drink 250 ml of chicken broth, herbal tea or unsaturated juice for breakfast. At the end of the meal, you should use 1 bottle of the product, previously diluted in 130 ml of liquid. The drug should be taken with 250 ml of warm water. For lunch - 500 ml of broth or juice, for dinner - the amount of liquid is reduced to 250 ml. After the evening meal, you must take a second portion of the product.
After lunch	1 day before the examination for lunch, you can enjoy products from the permitted list: boiled egg, kefir, toast or semolina, cooked without adding milk. For dinner - 200 ml of liquid, after which you should take 1 bottle of the medicine. For breakfast on the day of the visit to the doctor - 1 glass of broth and the second portion of the drug.

The product must be taken at the indicated dosage. Failure to comply with the rules is fraught with a violation of the water-electrolyte balance of the body.

Lavacol

The principle of influence on the body and contraindications of the drug are similar to the previous ones.

Table 4. Features of taking "Lavacol"

Times of Day	Recommendations
Morning	The day before the visit to the doctor, the first two meals can be varied with liquid cereals and broths. The product should be taken from 4 pm with each serving at intervals of 15 minutes. When taking the medicine, it is allowed to drink liquid.
After lunch	The first use of "Lavacol" begins at 6 pm. The remaining 3 packets should be drunk at 6 am on an empty stomach.

Duphalac

The agent activates peristalsis and rapidly liquefies the contents of the intestines.

Reception features:

1. The day before the study, 1 boiled egg and liquid porridge without milk are allowed as breakfast.
2. At lunchtime, liquid is acceptable.
3. 3 hours before the procedure, it is necessary to drink in small sips 200 ml of the product diluted in 2 liters of liquid.

Microlax

The drug belongs to the category of mini-enemas.

Reception features:

1. At lunchtime, the use of easily digestible foods is allowed.
2. In the evening, you need to use 2 tubes of "Mikrolax" with an interval of 15 minutes.
3. In the morning on the day of the examination, one more tube is placed.
4. The bowel movement begins 15 minutes after using the product.

During the use of drugs with a laxative effect, it is advisable to massage the abdomen and actively move.

Video - Preparing for sigmoidoscopy with osmotic laxatives

Preparation for rectoscopy using an enema

This method was successfully used by the ancient Egyptians. Features of the procedure:

1. Washing is done in the evening (2 enemas) and in the morning on the day of examination (1 enema). If the procedure takes place in the afternoon, the enema can be given at 11 o'clock in the morning.
2. 2 hours before manipulation, you need to drink 2 tablespoons. castor oil.
3. The examinee needs to lie down on his left side and press his legs to his stomach.
4. Pour 500 ml of chilled boiled water into the container.
5. The device must be suspended at a height of 1 meter and the tube should be lowered, allowing the air in it to escape.
6. Carefully place the tip into the anus and open the cock.
7. It is undesirable to independently carry out this manipulation, since it is difficult to regulate the pressure of the water entering the intestine alone.
8. To relieve painful sensations, you need to stroke the abdominal cavity with soft circular movements.
9. To prevent air from entering the rectum, a little liquid should remain in the mug at the end of the manipulation.
10. At the end of the procedure, keep the water inside for at least 10 minutes.

This method of washing is contraindicated in the presence of ulcers, hemorrhoids and cracks in the anus.

Before undergoing rectoscopy, it is necessary to consult with a proctologist about choosing a priority preparation method. The specialist will prescribe a method, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient and possible side effects.