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Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staff
Tests and procedures used to diagnose proctitis include:
- Stool test. You may be asked to collect a stool sample for testing. A stool test may help determine if your proctitis is caused by a bacterial infection.
- Using a scope to examine the final portion of your colon. During a flexible sigmoidoscopy, your doctor uses a slender, flexible, lighted tube to examine the sigmoid — the last two feet (61 centimeters) of your colon — including the rectum. During the procedure, your doctor can also take small samples of tissue (biopsy) for laboratory analysis. Sometimes a tissue sample can help confirm a diagnosis.li>
- Using a scope to examine your entire colon. A colonoscopy allows your doctor to view your entire colon using a thin, flexible, lighted tube with an attached camera. Your doctor also can take a biopsy during this test.
- Testing for sexually transmitted diseases. This involves obtaining a sample of discharge from the tube (urethra) that drains urine from your bladder or from your rectum. If the cause of your proctitis is likely to be an STD, your doctor may insert a narrow swab into the end of your urethra or anus to obtain the sample, which is then tested for the presence of bacteria or other infectious organisms. The results can be used to select the most effective treatment.
References
- Proctitis. National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/proctitis/index.htm. Accessed Feb. 26, 2010.
- Leiper K, et al. Treatment of radiation proctitis. Clinical Oncology. 2007;19:724.
- Lee PK, et al. Condyloma and other infections including human immunodeficiency virus. Surgical Clinics of North America. 2010;90:99.
- Coates WC. Disorders of the anorectum. In: Marx JA, et al. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/book/player/book.do?method=display&type=aboutPage&decorator=header&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05472-0..X0001-1--TOP&isbn=978-0-323-05472-0&uniq=192498651. Accessed Feb. 26, 2010.
- Zuckerman KS. Approach to the anemias. In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/186591636-6/0/1492/0.html. Accessed March 2, 2010.
- Stamm WE, et al. Chlamydia trachomatis (trachoma, perinatal infections, lymphogranuloma venereum and other genital infections). In: Mandell GL, et al. Mandell, Douglas and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/book/player/book.do?method=display&type=aboutPage&decorator=header&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06839-3..X0001-X--TOP&isbn=978-0-443-06839-3&uniq=192498651. Accessed March 2, 2010.
- Stenson WF. Inflammatory bowel disease. In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/186591636-6/0/1492/0.html. Accessed March 2, 2010.
- Lakatos PL, et al. Ulcerative proctitis: A review of pharmacotherapy and management. Expert Opinion Pharmacotherapy. 2008;9:741.
- Picco MF (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Fla. March 10, 2010.
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