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At Capital Digestive Care, our providers offer a comprehensive range of digestive health services.
Anoscopy
What to expect and how to prepare, plus additional resources. Contact your provider to confirm if they perform the procedure.
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Procedure overview
An anoscopy is an examination of the anus using a small, rigid, tubular instrument called an anoscope. Anoscopy is used to evaluate and diagnose problems of the anal canal, such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures (tears in the lining of the anus) and some cancers.
Do you need a Anoscopy
An anoscopy is an examination of the anus using a small, rigid, tubular instrument called an anoscope. Anoscopy is used to evaluate and diagnose problems of the anal canal, such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures (tears in the lining of the anus) and some cancers.
Screening Tool
An anoscope is a small, tube-like instrument equipped with a light source to provide a clear view of the inside of the anus and rectum. This allows our care providers to diagnose and evaluate various conditions in the anal and rectal area effectively.
What to expect
The doctor will coat the anoscope with a lubricant and then gently insert it into the anus and rectum. This allows the doctor to have a clear view of the lining of the lower rectum and anus. The patient will feel pressure during the examination, and the anoscope may make you feel as if you were about to have a bowel movement. This is normal, however, and many patients do not feel pain from anoscopy. The anoscope is pulled out slowly once the test is finished.
How to prepare
There is no required preparation for anoscopy, although you may want to empty your bladder or have a bowel movement to make yourself more comfortable.