Examination under anaesthetic (EUA) of the anal canal and rectum

You may be asked to attend a pre-assessment clinic for tests to check you are fit enough for the procedure. Or you may have these tests on the day of the procedure.

Examples of tests you may have include:

• blood tests
• ECG (heart tracing)
• chest x-rays.

Your doctor or nurse will ask what medications you are taking. It might help to take any medications with you to your appointment.

They will explain what is going to happen during the procedure. This is a good time to ask any questions you have. If you are allowed to, you can take a family member or friend with you for support and to help remember what is said. Before you have the procedure you will be asked to give your consent (permission).

Your doctor or nurse will tell you how to prepare for the procedure. They will give you any instructions you need to follow. For example, this might be not eating and drinking for a certain time before the test.

On the day of the procedure you may be given medication such as an enema. This will help you to empty your bowels (poo). This means the surgeon can see the rectum clearly.

It may be helpful to take a book, audiobook or some music with you. This can help to pass the time if you have to wait for the procedure.

You can go home once you have recovered from the anaesthetic. This is usually on the same day. A family member or friend will need to take you home. This is because you have had an anaesthetic. It is important that they stay with you for 24 hours.

Your doctor or nurse will tell you what activities to avoid and how long you should avoid them for. For example, you may not be able to drive for a time after having an EUA.

For a few days after the EUA you may have:

• some slight bleeding
• some pain.

Your doctor or nurse will tell you what to expect. They will give you painkillers for any pain you have. You will be given a follow-up appointment to talk about the results of the test.

We have more information about managing pain.