sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site

Warning-sign checks

Rectal biopsy: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency care for:

    • A large amount of bleeding, blood clots, faintness, or fainting
    • Severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain
    • A hard or markedly swollen abdomen
    • Trouble breathing, chest pain, or difficulty waking after sedation
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt medical advice for fever, worsening rectal or abdominal pain, increasing swelling, pus-like discharge, or repeated bleeding.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    For routine concerns, contact the healthcare team if mild bleeding continues longer than they said to expect, discomfort is not settling, or you have questions about medicines, bowel movements, or results.

The article also says

Follow the discharge instructions from your facility, as they reflect the type and depth of your biopsy.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Rectal biopsy. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.