Are you afraid of anoscopy? Let's talk about it simply! (Anoscopy)

Have you ever experienced any discomfort, pain, or bleeding in your anus? We are all a little embarrassed to talk about these things with others, aren't we? But these are very common problems that many people in society experience. So if you go to see a doctor with these symptoms and he asks you to do an examination called `Anoscopy`, don't be scared when you hear that name. This is not as scary as you might think. Let's see what it is simply.

What exactly is an anoscopy?

Simply put, an anoscopy is a medical examination of the inside of your rectum and the last part of your anus. This is done using a small, special instrument called an anoscope. This instrument allows the doctor to clearly see the lining of your rectum for any injuries, tears, abnormalities, or diseases. It's like shining a flashlight into it.

What is High-resolution Anoscopy?

This is a slightly advanced version of the `Anoscopy` test. In addition to the `Anoscope` device, a `Colposcope` is also used, which magnifies the tissue. This can detect even very subtle changes that are not visible to the naked eye. This method is especially important for finding out if there are abnormal cells, such as cancer cells, in the rectum. If there is any doubt, the doctor can take a piece of tissue from that area and send it to the laboratory . We call this `(Biopsy)`.

Are there other tests similar to anoscopy?

Yes, there are several other types of tests similar to this one, but the location and purpose of each one is different.

• Difference between Anoscopy and Proctoscopy: A `Proctoscopy` uses a slightly longer instrument than an `Anoscope`. It can examine your anus as well as the last part of your large intestine, the `Rectum`, just above it. Anoscopy mainly looks at an area of ​​about one to two inches inside the anus.
• Difference between Anoscopy and Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a much more extensive procedure. It involves inserting a long, flexible tube with a camera (a colonoscope) through your anus to examine your entire large intestine . This is usually done under anesthesia and takes a short time. Although it can check for problems in the anus, an anoscopy is usually the first test to be done if you have symptoms specific to the anus.

In what cases is an anoscopy performed?

If you have any symptoms related to your rectum, your doctor may recommend this test to find the exact cause. Sometimes, even if you have no symptoms, this can also be done as a screening test if you are at high risk for diseases such as cancer.

You can get a good idea about this from the two tables below.

How should I prepare for this test?

This doesn't require any special preparation. That's the biggest advantage of this. However, the doctor can give you some advice like this:

• Avoid anal sex the day before the test.
• Do not use any medicine or cream that is inserted into the rectum.
• Before the test, empty your bowels and bladder by defecating and urinating thoroughly.
• In some cases, the doctor may recommend using an enema to clean the rectum, but this is not always necessary.

What happens during the test?

Okay, now let's look at how the test is done. This is usually a simple thing that can be done in the doctor's office (`OPD`) or at a clinic.

1. Preparation: First, you will be asked to remove your underwear. You will be given a sheet or gown to cover your body, so there is no need to worry about privacy. Then, you will be asked to lie in a suitable position on the examination table. You may be asked to either lean forward, lie on your stomach, or lie on your side with your knees bent.

2. Initial examination: Before inserting the `Anoscope`, the doctor will insert a gloved finger into the rectum and perform a `Digital Rectal Exam`. This is done to check for any abnormal lumps or bumps inside.

3. Inserting the instrument: Next, the well-lubricated ``Anoscope`` instrument is very gently inserted into your anus.

4. Observation: After inserting the instrument, the doctor carefully observes the tissue inside as he slowly withdraws it. Sometimes, he rotates the instrument slightly to look in all directions.

5. Taking a sample: If you see any unusual discharge, such as pus, a small swab will be taken and sent to the laboratory. Also, if you see suspicious tissue, a ``(Biopsy)`` may be taken, as mentioned earlier.

The entire process only takes a few minutes . It may take a little longer if a biopsy is taken.

Does this really hurt? What does it feel like?

This is the biggest problem for many people. To be honest, an anoscopy is usually not painful . When the instrument is inserted, you may feel a slight pressure, like you are about to have a bowel movement.

However, if you already have a painful condition in your anus (such as an anal fissure), you may feel some discomfort. In such cases, your doctor may apply an ointment like Lidocaine to numb the area. So, you don't need to worry too much about the pain. If you feel any discomfort, tell your doctor right away.

What happens after the test?

Once the examination is complete, the doctor will tell you what he or she saw. If a sample was taken, such as a biopsy, it will take a few days for the report to arrive. Once that is done, a decision can be made about treatment.

Sometimes, if it's a condition like hemorrhoids, the doctor can treat it at the same time as the test. After the test, you can go home normally. If you don't have anesthesia, there's no problem with you driving a car.

Things to watch out for and when to talk to your doctor

It is normal to experience some discomfort or a small amount of bleeding for a day or two after the test, especially if a biopsy was taken. Sitting in a warm bath (sitz bath) can provide great relief from this discomfort.

However, if you experience these symptoms, you should call your doctor immediately :

• If you experience unbearable pain.
• If there is persistent and excessive bleeding.
• If symptoms of illness such as fever and nausea appear.

Anoscopy, rectal examination, hemorrhoids, rectal pain, rectal bleeding, anoscope, biopsy, gastroenterology