What is an MRI of the rectum?
An MRI of the rectum is an advanced imaging procedure that does not employ X-rays to create images, rather, it uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the rectum and surrounding tissues. It is a useful medical tool to detect various conditions affecting the rectum, including inflammatory bowel disease, rectal fistulas, and rectal cancer.
Why is an MRI of the rectum performed?
An MRI of the rectum is performed to:
- Stage rectal cancer: An MRI of the rectum is specifically useful to determine the stage of the rectal cancer, which is essential for guiding cancer treatment. This can also show the relationship of the tumour with the rectum, mesorectal fascia, anal sphincter complex and other pelvic structures.
- Plan treatment: This MRI helps healthcare providers determine the treatment plan for your condition. It also helps doctors determine whether your condition requires surgery or neoadjuvant therapy (such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy) followed by surgery.
- Detect other conditions: This MRI is used to detect various conditions affecting the rectum, including endometriosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and certain types of precancerous rectal tumours.
- Evaluate your condition post-treatment: This imaging scan is also used to determine your body’s response to the treatment, specifically a neoadjuvant therapy. It is also helpful to monitor the recurrence of the cancer.
How is an MRI of the rectum performed?
You will need to lie down on your back on a table that slides into the MRI machine. You will need to lie still during the whole test procedure. The magnetic waves may sound loud during the test. However, you may avail the option to listen to music, and you can also contact the technician through a signalling device in your hand. You might be given a contrast agent through an intravenous line in your hand, which helps provide better-quality pictures.
What does an abnormal MRI of the rectum indicate?
An abnormal MRI of the rectum usually indicate that something unusual has been detected in the MRI. The potential causes for an abnormal rectal MRI may include:
- Infections: MRI can show infections or inflammation, including anorectal inflammation and rectal perforation. It can also show the spread of the infection to other areas, which can lead to cellulitis, edema and abscess formation. It can help differentiate between supralevator and infralevator abscesses, which helps guide the treatment plan.
- Pelvic floor dysfunction: This MRI can assess conditions like pelvic floor dysfunction, organ prolapse, and other conditions that disrupt the ability to pass stool.
- Tumours: MRI is very useful to detect rectal cancer and assess the extent of a tumour. This is essential to stage the tumour and plan treatment. It can also show recurrent tumours.
- Other conditions: This MRI can also show other conditions affecting the rectum and surrounding tissues, such as fistulas, scarring and other abnormalities. It can also show how your body responded to the treatment of rectal cancer.
However, consult your doctor for a better understanding of your condition.
Fortunately, you can easily book a rectum MRI in Gurgaon because there are multiple rectum MRI centres in Gurgaon. So you don’t need to worry about its availability. The rectum MRI cost in Gurgaon may vary depending on the type of scan you opt for. Generally, rectum MRI prices in Gurgaon start from rupees 4750 only.
Frequently asked questions
What is an MRI of the rectum?
An MRI of the rectum is an imaging scan that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the rectum, to detect various conditions affecting the rectum and surrounding structures.
Why is it done?
An MRI of the rectum is generally used to detect infections, inflammation, fistulas, scarring, tumours, and cancer.
How long does an MRI of the rectum take?
An MRI of the rectum may take about 30-60 minutes.
Does an MRI of the rectum involve the use of a contrast agent?
An MRI rectum can be performed with or without contrast materials.