What are the indications for doing anoscopy on a patient in the clinic, emergency room, or hospital setting?
Anoscopy helps us to visualize the anus, anal canal, and internal sphincter. We use it when DRE is not enough to assess an anorectal condition.
- Initial evaluation of rectal bleeding (hemorrhoids, proctitis, neoplasm)
- To get cytology samples to screen for anal squamous lesions, particularly in high-risk patients with HIV infection
- Anal/perianal pain (thrombosed hemorrhoids, fissures)
- Anal fistula
- Perianal itching
- Abdominal pain
- Change in bowel habit
- Anal discharge/prolapse
- Mass palpated on DRE
- Retrieval of foreign body
- Evaluation of anal trauma
- Evaluation of fecal impaction
- Evaluation of intra-anal condyloma
- Treatment of prolapsing hemorrhoids by rubber band ligation (using a slotted anoscope)
Sources:
https://meds.queensu.ca/central/assets/modules/ts-anoscopy/indications.html
http://www.fpnotebook.com/GI/Procedure/Anscpy.htm