What is an Anoscope, And How to Use Anoscope?

What is An Anoscope?

Anoscope is a medical instrument used by doctors to examine the anus and rectum. It is a 3-4 inches long tube made of medical-grade plastic. Anoscope has a light source at the end that allows clear viewing of the rectal tissues. 

What is a Good Quality Anoscope?

A good quality anoscope will be latex-free to avoid allergies. It should have no ridges to allow smooth insertion in the anus. The equipment should have no mounds for an atraumatic experience. In single-use anoscopes, sterility is important. It should have a detachable torch for versatile usage.

Why Do Doctors Use An Anoscope?

The anorectal verge is an area that connects the rectum to the anal opening. The end of this verge is the anal sphincter. Its basic function is to keep the rectal canal closed and store stool before egestion. 

Due to the anal opening, this area is more prone to infections from bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Moreover, everyday sphincter movement and dietary changes result in straining anal muscles during diarrhea and constipation.

Doctors need to examine the anorectal tissues to diagnose and treat any abnormality which is causing discomfort to the patient. An anoscope gives them a direct view of the anorectal verge, and diseases are easy to diagnose.

What Diseases Are Observed By Anoscopes?

Anoscope observations help doctors diagnose the following diseases:

Anorectal Abscess

A deposit of pus in the anus and rectum is called an abscess. An anorectal abscess is caused by:

• Anal infection
• Blocked glands
• Sexually Transmitted Infection
• Crohn's disease
• Diverticulitis

Symptoms of an Anorectal Abscess : 

• Anal pain
• Constipation
• Fever
• Anal bleeding
• Discharge of pus
• Anal itching
• Swelling

Anal Fissures

Anal fissures are tears in the anal tissue. Anal fissures are caused by:

• Constipation
• Passing hard stools
• Diarrhea
• Anal intercourse

Symptoms of Anal Fissure

• Bleeding and pain in the anus.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are enlarged, swollen veins in the rectum. They are also called piles. Hemorrhoids are caused by:

• Straining bowel movement
• Pregnancy
• Obesity

Symptoms of Hemorrhoids :

• Itching
• Anal bleeding
• Sharp pain in egestion

Rectal Polyps

Rectal polyps are benign a cluster of cells that develop in the rectum or colon. They are caused by:

• Gene mutation
• Eating fatty food and red meat.

Symptoms of rectal polyps:

• Blood in stool.

How to Use An Anoscope?

Doctors perform a medical procedure called anoscopy using an anoscope. It is a harmless process that checks the anal and rectal tissues for the above-mentioned diseases. You can perform an anoscope the following way on a patient:

1. Ask the patient to empty their bladder and digestive tract before the exam.
2. Prescribe a laxative or enema for constipated patients.
3. Ask the patient to lie down and relax.
4. Put the patient in either a fetal or bending-over position. 
5. Lubricate the anoscope with K-Y jelly or another lubricant.
6. Insert the anoscope very carefully in the patient's anus.
7. Ask them to tense and relax their muscles for smooth insertion.
8. Use the light to observe the anus and rectum for any abscess, fissure, or swelling.
9. Based on your observations, you can further perform a rectal exam or biopsy.

What are the Risk Factors of Using An Anoscope?

The patient may suffer from bleeding and pain in the case of hemorrhoids. If the anoscope is of cheaper quality, it can injure the anal and rectal tissues. Latex anoscopes are allergic to some patients. 

What is the Post-Operative Care For An Anoscopy?

If there is no bleeding and pain after the anoscopy, the patient can return home and wait for their test results. Prescribe medicines and treatment after the test results.

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