Anoscopy and rectoscopy
sigmoidoscopy · rectal exam · anoscope exam
The doctor looks at the anus and rectum using a small tube with a light. It is a short exam, usually without anesthesia.
For blood in the stool, pain or itching around the anus, hemorrhoids, a tear, or before surgery.
⏱ Duration: usually 5 to 15 minutes
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Bowel. Usually the bowel needs to be cleaned: an enema or mini-enema in the evening and in the morning. Your clinic will tell you how.
- Anoscopy only. For a short exam of the anus, a normal bowel movement in the morning is sometimes enough. Check with your clinic.
- Food. A light dinner the evening before. In the morning, a light breakfast is fine, unless your clinic says otherwise.
What to bring
- Your referral
- Past reports, if you have them
- A list of your medicines
How it goes
- You undress below the waist
- You lie on your left side with your knees pulled up, or kneel on your knees and elbows
- The doctor first looks at the area and gently checks with a finger
- A tube with gel on it is put in a short way
- The doctor looks at the bowel walls and takes the tube out
What you'll feel
- Pressure and a feeling that you need the toilet. This is normal
- During rectoscopy, a little air is put into the bowel, so you may feel bloated
- If it hurts, tell the doctor
Afterwards
- You can eat and go about your day right away
- A little blood on the toilet paper the same day can happen, especially if a tissue sample was taken
- The doctor usually tells you the results right away
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Heavy bleeding or blood clots
- Severe belly pain, or fever above 38 degrees
Common questions
Does anoscopy hurt?
Usually not. It is uncomfortable but bearable. If you have a tear, the doctor uses a numbing gel.
How is rectoscopy different from colonoscopy?
Rectoscopy looks only at the rectum and the start of the sigmoid colon. Colonoscopy looks at the whole large bowel.