Pediatric Rectal Suction Biopsy

Infants and children with bowel movement problems like chronic constipation may need a rectal suction biopsy to determine the cause. Digestive disease specialists (gastroenterologists) at our nationally rated Pediatric Gastrointestinal (GI) Program perform this test in our state-of-the-art pediatric GI laboratory. Our GI experts perform a high volume of biopsies and other diagnostic tests to pinpoint the cause of your child’s digestive symptoms and develop a treatment plan.

What is a Pediatric Rectal Suction Biopsy?

A rectal suction biopsy involves the removal of small amounts of tissue from your child’s rectum to check for ganglion cells. Most of us have these nerve cells. They stimulate muscles in the large intestine, causing the rectum (the last part of the large intestine) to hold or release stool.

But approximately 1 in 5,000 babies are born without these rectal ganglion nerve cells. They have Hirschsprung’s disease, a condition that causes chronic constipation. As stool builds up, it may block the intestine and increase a child’s risk of enterocolitis, a potentially life-threatening intestinal inflammation.

What are the benefits of a Pediatric Rectal Suction Biopsy?

This procedure can help identify Hirschsprung’s disease, so your child can quickly get the treatment they need. About half of newborns with Hirschsprung’s disease show immediate symptoms like failing to have their first bowel movement soon after birth. But just as many children with Hirschsprung’s disease live years with unexplained, painful chronic constipation and abdominal pain.

Pinpointing the cause of these symptoms is challenging, but our doctors have the expertise to do so. They safely perform rectal suction biopsies to quickly determine whether Hirschsprung’s disease is causing your child’s symptoms. We then develop a plan to get your child’s bowels moving properly.

What are the side effects or risks of a Pediatric Rectal Suction Biopsy?

A pediatric rectal suction biopsy is a very safe test. It doesn’t require anesthesiaor surgery. Our GI specialists routinely perform rectal suction biopsies on newborns, as well as older children. Their experience greatly minimizes the risk of potential, yet extremely rare, problems like infections or rectal tears. Should a problem occur, we quickly take steps to protect your child’s health.

What to expect with a Pediatric Rectal Suction Biopsy

Your family comes to our advanced pediatric GI lab for this test. Our team has decades of experience performing rectal suction biopsies. Your child is awake when we remove the tissue samples. However, they won’t feel pain because the rectum doesn’t have pain sensors. Our team knows how to make your child comfortable during the test. You may also stay with your child.

What to expect before a Pediatric Rectal Suction Biopsy

Your child can eat and drink as usual before the biopsy. Don’t give your child a laxative or enema before the test unless your care team orders it. You should also avoid the use of diaper creams on infants until after the test.

What to expect during a Pediatric Rectal Suction Biopsy

Your child’s doctor will:

• Place your child on their stomach or side.

• Gently insert a thin, flexible tube with a suction device into your child’s rectum.

• Use the suction device to remove small pieces of tissue from the rectum.

• Gently remove the tube containing the tissue samples from the rectum.

• Perform a quick rectal exam with a finger to check for signs of rectal bleeding.

What to expect after a Pediatric Rectal Suction Biopsy

Your child can resume normal activities and diet after the test. They may experience minor rectal bleeding or blood in their bowel movements. These issues should go away in a day or so without treatment. You should contact the care team if your child has severe rectal pain or bleeding.

How do I prepare my child for a Pediatric Rectal Suction Biopsy?

Your child may be nervous about undergoing a biopsy procedure. Although a rectal biopsy isn’t painful, an older child may find the test to be uncomfortable, awkward or even embarrassing. Let your child know that it’s a quick procedure (about 5 minutes) that will help their doctor determine the cause of their bowel problems so they can feel better. Reassure your child that you’ll stay with them during the procedure. Our Child Life specialists can also help you answer your child’s questions.

What questions should I ask my provider about a Pediatric Rectal Suction Biopsy?

• How many rectal suction biopsies have you performed?

• Will my child need other diagnostic tests?

• What medications should my child stop taking before a Pediatric Rectal Suction Biopsy?

• How soon will we know the test results?