Anoscope for Hemorrhoids Proctology Laser Treatment for Anoscopy

Anoscopy is a procedure that uses a special lighted scope called an anoscope or anal speculum. An anoscope allows your health care provider to view the lining of your lower rectum and anus to check for signs of injury or disease。

With this method, the examiner can visualize the internal portions of the anal sphincter and the distal rectum. Prospective studies suggest that anoscopy has a higher sensitivity for anorectal lesions such as internal hemorrhoids, proctitis, lacerations, fistulas, ulcers, and masses than a flexible sigmoidoscopy.

A related procedure is called a high-resolution anoscopy. This procedure uses a special magnifying device called a colposcope along with the anoscope to view these areas. A colposcope may detect small changes in your tissues that the anoscope alone may miss.

An anoscopy is most often used to diagnose:

Hemorrhoids, a condition that causes swollen, inflamed veins around the anus and lower rectum. They can be inside the anus or on the skin around the anus. Hemorrhoids are usually not serious, but they can cause bleeding and discomfort.

Anal fissures, small tears in the lining of the anus.

Anal polyps, abnormal growths on the lining of the anus.

Inflammation. The test can help find the cause of unusual redness, swelling, and/or irritation around the anus.

Cancer. High-resolution anoscopy is often used to look for cancer of the anus or rectum. The procedure can make it easier for your provider to find abnormal cells.

Symptoms that an anoscopy might investigate include:

Anal bleeding.

Anal discharge.

Anal pain.

Anal itching.

Anal swelling.

Anal lesions.

Anal protrusions.

Difficulty pooping or holding poop in.

To perform an anoscopy, the doctor inserts a small tube into the anus and shines a light through it to examine the anal canal and rectum. If the doctor suspects abnormal cells or anal cancer, he or she may perform high-resolution anoscopy, which uses a magnifying device to examine the cells up close.

What is the duration of anoscopy?

The duration of a high resolution anoscopy procedure is relatively short, typically ranging from 10 to 30 minutes. However, the exact time may vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the examination and any necessary interventions or treatments.

The risks associated with an anoscopy include: Tearing of the skin around the skin or lining of the anus. Discomfort. In patients with hemorrhoids, tearing or scrapes to the hemorrhoid tissue is possible.