What is anoscopy:
Anoscopy is a procedure used to visualize the wall of the anus, anal canal, and lower rectum. Anoscopy is a test similar to colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy. Device called an anoscope is stiff and short, 3 to 4 inches long inserted into anus. This gives detail information of tissue inside your anus, your rectum, and the lower part of the colon to the gastroenterologist
Why it is done:
- This test is done to find out cancer in digestive track, anus and the rectum
- Find the reason for long-lasting diarrhea or constipation, blood or pus in the stool
- To check whether you have Anal fissues that occurs due to constipation or Anal polyps
- Find out the reason for swollen veins around the anus and rectum can be painful and cause bleeding
- To find out reason for inflammation and tumors in anus or in rectum
- To investigate growth of polyps or colon cancer and the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease
Preparations for test:
- You will need to empty your bladder and bowels before the test
- Doctor may give you a laxative or enema to completely empty your bowels
- If you are taking medicines like as aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E or any herb please tell your doctor before test
How it is done:
- Instrument called an anoscope is rigid hollow tube that is 3 to 4 inches long and about 2 to 3 inches wide, will be coated with an anesthetic cream is inserted a few inches into the rectum
- This will allow your doctor to see your anus and rectum in detail
- The doctor may then ask the patient to simulate internal muscles and relax as you would when having a bowel movement
- Once the exam is done, the doctor gently withdraws the anoscope
- If any abnormal cells are detected, the surgeon may also want to take a small sample of tissue for further examination