What to prepare before anoscopy?

Anoscopy is mainly used to examine anorectal diseases, but most people are not particularly clear about the preparations that need to be done before anoscopy. In fact, a cleansing enema is required before anoscopy, and the examination can only be performed after defecation. If there is stool remaining in the body, it cannot be observed clearly. Generally, no other preparations are required. Anoscopy is generally not recommended if there is anal fissure or rectal stenosis.

Anoscopy method

Hold the mirror in your right hand, press the core with your thumb, and apply lubricant to the tip of the anoscope. Use your left hand to separate the buttocks, press the anus lightly with the anal lens for a moment and then slowly push it in. First move it toward the umbilicus, then through the anal canal and then change direction to the sacral recess. Push the anoscope all the way in and then pull out the core. After pulling out the core, pay attention to whether there is blood on the core. Adjust the light and slowly withdraw from deep to shallow, observing as you withdraw, paying attention to the color of the mucosa and the presence of ulcers, bleeding, polyps, tumors, foreign objects, etc. Pay attention to the presence of internal hemorrhoids, internal opening of anal fistula, anal papilla and anal crypts for inflammation at the dentate line.

Check for issues that require attention

① Wear a glove or fingertip on your right hand and apply lubricant. First, perform a digital examination around the anus to check for lumps, tenderness, warts, and external hemorrhoids.

② Test the tightness of the anal sphincter. Under normal circumstances, only one finger can be inserted and the anal ring can be felt to contract. The anorectal ring can be touched behind the anal canal.

③ Check the anorectal wall for tenderness, fluctuation, mass and stenosis. If a mass is felt, its size, shape, location, hardness and mobility should be determined.

④ The anterior rectal wall is 4 to 5 cm away from the anal verge. The prostate can be touched in men and the cervix can be touched in women. Do not mistake it for a pathological mass.

⑤ Perform bimanual examination as required and when necessary;

⑥After pulling out the finger, observe the finger sleeve to see if there is any blood or mucus.