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Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staffTests and procedures used to diagnose rectal ulcers include:
- Using a scope to examine your rectum. During sigmoidoscopy, your doctor inserts a flexible tube equipped with a lens into your rectum to examine your rectum and part of your colon. If a lesion is found, your doctor may take a tissue sample for laboratory testing.
- Using sound waves to create images of your rectum. Ultrasound is an imaging technique that uses sound waves to create pictures. Your doctor may recommend an ultrasound to help differentiate solitary rectal ulcer syndrome from other conditions.
- An X-ray of your rectum. During a procedure called defecation proctography, your doctor inserts a soft paste made of barium into your rectum. You then pass the barium paste as you would stool. The barium shows up on X-rays and may reveal a prolapse or problems with muscle function and muscle coordination.
References
- Nagar AB, et al. Ulcers of the small and large intestine. In: Feldman M, et al. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/179165321-7/0/1389/0.html. Accessed Jan. 20, 2010.
- Felt-Bersma RJF, et al. Rectal prolapse, rectal intussusception, rectocele, solitary rectal ulcer syndrome and enterocele. Gastroenterology Clinics of North America. 2008;37:645.
- Edden Y, et al. Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome and stercoral ulcers. Gastroenterology Clinics of North America. 2009;38:541.
- Rao SSC, et al. Pathophysiology and role of biofeedback therapy in solitary rectal ulcer syndrome. American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2006;101:613.
- Bharucha AE. Update of tests of colon and rectal structure and function. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology. 2006;40:96.
- High-fiber nutrition therapy. ADA Nutrition Care Manual. http://nutritioncaremanual.org/vault/editor/Docs/High_FiberNutritionTherapy_FINAL.pdf. Accessed Jan. 26, 2010.
- Constipation. ADA Nutrition Care Manual. http://nutritioncaremanual.org/topic.cfm?ncm_heading=Nutrition%20Care&ncm_toc_id=145248. Accessed Jan. 26, 2010.
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