Rectal Suction Biopsy

Also known as: rectal biopsy, suction procedure.

What is rectal suction biopsy?

A rectal suction biopsy is a diagnostic procedure performed to look for problems related to the colon and rectum. It might be needed if a child is having difficulty with bowel movements. It involves removing a small sample of tissue from the rectum.

What happens during the procedure?

The child is placed on his or her side or stomach, and a thin, flexible tube is inserted into the rectum. The tube is used to remove a few tiny tissue samples from the rectum. This rarely causes any pain. Afterward, the doctor may perform a rectal exam to ensure that no bleeding has occurred in the rectum.

Is any special preparation needed?

In most cases, no special preparation is needed for the rectal suction biopsy. Parents may need to avoid giving their child suppositories or enemas before the test.

What are the risk factors?

Bleeding, infection or rectal tearing are rare risk factors related to rectal suction biopsy.

Reviewed by: Carrie Firestone Baum, MD

This page was last updated on: April 29, 2021 02:50 PM