Anoscopy
Encyclopedia
An anoscopy is an examination using a small, rigid, tubular instrument called an anoscope (also called an anal speculum
). This is inserted a few inches into to the anus
in order to evaluate problems of the anal canal
. Anoscopy is used to diagnose hemorrhoids, anal fissures (tears in the lining of the anus), and some cancers.
By shining a light into this tube, the doctor will have a clear view of the lining of the lower rectum and anus. The anoscope is pulled out slowly once the test is finished.
The patient will feel pressure during the examination, and the anoscope will make one feel as if he or she were about to have a bowel movement. This is normal, however, and many patients do not feel pain from anoscopy.
Anoscopy will permit biopsies to be taken, and is used when ligating prolapsed hemorrhoids. It is used in the treatment of warts produced by HPV.
The procedure is done on an outpatient basis.
Speculum (medical)
A speculum is a medical tool for investigating body cavities, with a form dependent on the body cavity for which it is designed. In old texts, the speculum may also be referred to as a diopter or dioptra...
). This is inserted a few inches into to the anus
Human anus
The human anus is the external opening of the rectum. Like other animals, its closure is controlled by sphincter muscles...
in order to evaluate problems of the anal canal
Anal canal
The anal canal is the terminal part of the large intestine.It is situated between the rectum and anus, below the level of the pelvic diaphragm. It lies in the anal triangle of perineum in between the right and left ischioanal fossa....
. Anoscopy is used to diagnose hemorrhoids, anal fissures (tears in the lining of the anus), and some cancers.
Process
This test is usually done in a doctor's office. The patient is required to remove his/her underwear, and he/she must either lie on his/her side on top of an examining table, with his/her knees bent up to his/her chest, or bend forward over the table. The anoscope is 3 to 4 inches long and the width of an average-to-large bowel movement. The doctor will coat the anoscope with a lubricant and then gently push it into the anus and rectum. The doctor may ask the patient to "Bear Down" or push as if he/she were going to have a bowel movement, and then relax. This helps the doctor insert the anoscope more easily and identify any bulges along the lining of the rectum.By shining a light into this tube, the doctor will have a clear view of the lining of the lower rectum and anus. The anoscope is pulled out slowly once the test is finished.
The patient will feel pressure during the examination, and the anoscope will make one feel as if he or she were about to have a bowel movement. This is normal, however, and many patients do not feel pain from anoscopy.
Conditions visible to anoscopy
- hemorrhoids
- Anal fissureAnal fissureAn anal fissure is a break or tear in the skin of the anal canal. Anal fissures may be noticed by bright red anal bleeding on the toilet paper, sometimes in the toilet. If acute they may cause severe periodic pain after defecation but with chronic fissures pain intensity is often less...
s - FistulaFistulaIn medicine, a fistula is an abnormal connection or passageway between two epithelium-lined organs or vessels that normally do not connect. It is generally a disease condition, but a fistula may be surgically created for therapeutic reasons.-Locations:Fistulas can develop in various parts of the...
s - AbscessAbscessAn abscess is a collection of pus that has accumulated in a cavity formed by the tissue in which the pus resides due to an infectious process or other foreign materials...
es - Inflammation
- Perianal/rectal tumors
Anoscopy will permit biopsies to be taken, and is used when ligating prolapsed hemorrhoids. It is used in the treatment of warts produced by HPV.
The procedure is done on an outpatient basis.