Anuscopy is a simple exam that does not need sedation, performed by a proctologist in a doctor's office or exam room, with the aim of checking the causes of changes in the anal area, such as itching, swelling, bleeding and pain in the anus. These symptoms can be related to several diseases such as internal hemorrhoids, perianal fistulas, fecal incontinence and HPV injuries, for example.
Generally, to pass the exam the person does not need to make any specific preparation, however it is recommended to empty the bladder and evacuate before anuscopy to reduce the discomfort during the exam.
Anuscopy does not cause pain and does not require any rest after the performance, being able to return to normal activities soon after. However, in some cases, the doctor may request colonoscopy or rectosigmoidoscopy, which requires sedation and has more specific preparation. Learn more about how to prepare for rectosigmoidoscopy.
What is it for
Anuscopy is an examination performed by a proctologist and serves to assess changes in the anal region, such as pain, irritation, lumps, bleeding, swelling and redness present in diseases such as:
- Hemorrhoids; Perianal fistula; Fecal incontinence; Anal fissure; Rectal varicose veins; Cancer.
This test can also identify other health problems such as sexually transmitted infections that manifest in the anus region, such as anal condyloma, HPV lesions, genital herpes and chlamydia. Anal cancer can also be diagnosed by performing anuscopy and biopsy, which can be done at the same time. Learn how to identify anal cancer.
Despite being a safe exam, anuscopy is not indicated for people who have very intense anal bleeding, because this prevents the doctor from seeing the anal area accurately and also because taking the exam in this case can cause more irritation and worsen the bleeding.
How is done
The anuscopy exam is usually done in a doctor's office or in an examination room of a hospital or clinic and usually does not cause pain, only discomfort. Before starting the exam, the person is informed about the procedure and instructed to change clothes and put on an apron with an opening at the back and then is lying on his side on a stretcher.
The doctor will do a digital rectal examination to check if there are any lumps blocking the rectal canal, after that a water-based lubricant will be placed in the examination device, called an anoscope, which has a camera and a lamp to analyze the mucosa. the anus. The device is inserted into the rectal canal and the doctor analyzes the images on a computer screen, whether or not they can collect tissue samples for biopsy.
At the end, the anoscope is removed and at this point the person may feel like having a bowel movement and there may be a little bleeding if you have hemorrhoids, but this is normal, however if after 24 hours you are still bleeding or in pain it is necessary to consult again with the doctor.
How the preparation should be
Anuscopy is not necessary to fast, as in most cases there is no need for sedation and it is recommended to just empty the bladder and evacuate so that the person feels less discomfort.
Depending on the type of symptoms, the doctor's suspicions and if high resolution anuscopy is performed, it will be indicated to take laxative to leave the anal canal free of feces. And yet, after the exam, no specific care is needed either, and you can return to your usual day-to-day activities.
