For one clinical manifestations and medical history, it is impossible to make a correct diagnosis and, moreover, to prescribe the optimal treatment. For example, bleeding and severe pain after defecation can talk about different pathologies: ulcerative colitis, cracks and polyps. Even with inflamed hemorrhoidal nodes, it is difficult to determine the tactics of therapy, since the doctor must clearly know their location.
A comprehensive examination is of great importance in all medical areas, helping to establish pathology at an early stage and prescribe optimal therapy, proctology is no exception. The initial diagnostic methods include biochemical and clinical blood tests, feces for dysbiosis, as well as a digital examination. For a more detailed study, anoscopy is used. What kind of technique is it and what is its purpose, let's understand in more detail.
Non-invasive (finger) method
The procedure is a mandatory diagnostic measure to detect pathological changes in the anus and colon, including benign and malignant tumors. Using this method, it is possible to investigate the state of the prostate gland in men and the genitals in women. The indications are usually complaints about the presence of disorders of the intestinal tract, pain in the abdomen and in the pelvis.
A proctologist usually uses finger diagnostics before performing the remaining techniques: anoscopy, colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy. This is done to determine the severity of the existing disease (with hemorrhoids). If the inflammation is far from the anus, then anoscopy is used. What is this procedure, and to whom is it assigned? In fact, this is a medical study using a special device - an anoscope, which is inserted through the rectum to a depth of 12 cm. The device allows you to see the presence of an internal fistula.
Technique of carrying out. What does the procedure give?
Anoscope is a metal rod that does not have sharp edges and protrusions, with a diameter of up to 1 cm. Modern devices are equipped with a backlight system for convenience. Disposable plastic tools are also available. To reduce discomfort, the device is treated with glycerin ointment, and then slowly inserted into the anal canal in circular motions.
The anoscope is expanding, revealing the full picture for the specialist. But in cases where the hemorrhoidal nodes are too high, sigmoidoscopy is used. The technique allows you to examine the condition of the intestine at a depth of 35 cm. During the procedure, the proctologist can see the diameter of the rectal lumen, blood vessels, evaluate the mucous membrane by color, and also identify the presence of cracks, tumors, polyps and scars.
Anoscopy and sigmoidoscopy take no more than 15 minutes, both manipulations are absolutely safe and in most cases do not cause pain. At the request of the patient, the doctor can apply anesthetic ointment or make an intramuscular injection. The procedure can be carried out in any position (rear, standing, side, lying), the physiological characteristics of the patient are taken into account here. The most important thing is that the person does not feel pain. A few hours before the session, a cleansing enema with two liters of boiled water is prescribed .
Who is prescribed anoscopy?
What is this procedure, let's recall - a bloodless rectal examination of the entire cavity of the rectum. Indications for its implementation are: suspected oncology, impaired stool, the presence of purulent, bloody or mucous secretions. It is used for a detailed diagnosis of hemorrhoids, anal polyps and crypts, formations and genital warts (for biopsy), as well as inflammatory processes. For therapeutic purposes, anoscopy is performed for the administration of medications (what kind of manipulation is described above).
Relative contraindications
There are no absolute restrictions on its implementation. But doctors prohibit the procedure in the presence of acute inflammatory processes (paraproctitis and hemorrhoids), as well as a narrowed lumen of the anal valve and rectum. The examination is carried out only after the complete abatement of the acute stage. Anoscopy has no other significant contraindications and side effects. Reviews confirm the safety of the technique.