Understanding Anoscopy

What is anoscopy?

Anoscopy (click link to the section on anoscopy in our procedures page) is a medical procedure performed in our office without sedation or anesthesia to assess for diseases of the anus and lower rectum including hemorrhoids, anal fissures, abscess, fistula, proctitis and mass.

Why is Anoscopy performed?

Most commonly, anoscopy is used to evaluate for hemorrhoids, anal fissure, abscess, proctitis, and mass. It allows Dr. Sinha the ability to physically see inside your anus and assess for disease.

How is it performed?

During this office procedure, Dr. Sinha will insert a small, clear, plastic speculum, called an anoscope, into your anus to evaluate for problems of the anal canal including hemorrhoids, fissures, and some anal-rectal cancers. You’ll be asked to remove your underwear, and lay on your side on the exam table with your knees bent up towards your chest. Dr. Sinha will coat the anoscope with a lubricant and then gently push it into your anus. She may ask you to "bear down" or push as if you were going to have a bowel movement, and then relax. This will allow her to insert the anoscope more easily and help her to identify any bulges along the lining of your rectum. She’ll use a light to help her see more clearly.

Will I be comfortable?

You may feel some pressure during the exam, and the anoscope may make you feel as if you’re going to have a bowel movement; this is completely normal. Generally speaking though, the procedure is well tolerated. Typically it takes less than a few minutes to perform and patients are able to return to normal work immediately thereafter. We advise that you get up slowly after the procedure because some individuals can feel faint or dizzy afterwards.

What are the risks associated with the procedure?

Anoscopy is usually a painless procedure, however you may feel pressure or an urge to have a bowel movement. If you have hemorrhoids, there may be a small amount of bleeding. It’s important to relax and tell Dr. Sinha how you’re feeling. If a biopsy is taken, you may feel some discomfort or a slight pinch.


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