Anoscopy (High Resolution Anoscopy HRA)
Date: __________________Time:____________________
UW Heath East Clinic- 5249 East Terrace Drive, Madison, WI 53718
3rd Floor / Specialty B (608) 265-6960
UW Digestive Health Center- 750 University Row on the University Crossing Campus at the corner of University Ave. and Whitney Way (608) 265-8528
This exam allows us to see inside the anal canal. Finding and treating abnormal cells at the earliest stage increases the chance of control and cure.
Before the Exam
Please call our clinic if you are taking aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E or herbal medicine. These can cause more bleeding. You may need to stop this medicine before the exam.
24 hour hours before the exam you must NOT use douches, enemas, creams or have anal receptive sex. This can affect test results.
Expect the visit to take 40-60 minutes. Following the exam, take the rest of the day off from heavy work and activities.
The Exam
You will lie down on your left side with knees bent. You will have a brief rectal exam with a gloved finger and a numbing lubricant. The small tube-like scope will gently slide into the anal canal. The microscope looks for abnormal cells. Small cell samples may be taken. You may feel some pain or tugging as the sample is taken, this lasts less than one minute. If you have bleeding, it is quickly stopped with silver nitrate or pressure.
After the Exam
If biopsies (cell samples) are taken, expect a small amount of bleeding for 1-2 days. You may see more bleeding after bowel movements. This may last for 4 days. This is normal.
Do not put anything into your anus until rectal bleeding has stopped.
You may have mild pain for a few hours to a few days.
Activities
• You may shower. No tub baths or swimming.
• Wear loose fitting clothes.
• Avoid sitting or standing for more than an hour at a time for the first 1-2
days.
• Nothing more strenuous than walking for 2-3 days after biopsies.
• Avoid constipation by increasing your fluid intake. It is okay to use over the
counter stool softeners and a bulk fiber laxative, follow package directions.
• Avoid all tobacco products including second hand smoke.
Follow Up
We will call you with the biopsy results within a week. After the exam you will follow up with your regular doctor.
When to Call the Doctor
• Temperature over 100.4°F by mouth, 2 readings taken 4 hours apart
• Excess swelling
• Excess bleeding
• Foul smelling drainage or pus
• Pain not controlled by pain pills
• Any other symptoms that concern you
Phone Numbers
Digestive Health Center, 8am to 5pm weekdays, (608) 890-5000.
After clinic hours, please call (608) 890-5000. Give your name and phone number with the area code. The doctor will call you back.
If you live outside of the Madison area, please call 1-855-342-9900.
UW Health Digestive Health Center
750 University Row
Madison, WI
(608) 890-5000
(855) 342-9900
UW Heath East Clinic
5249 East Terrace Drive
Madison, WI 53718
3rd Floor / Specialty B
(608) 265-6960
University of Wisconsin Hospital & Clinics
GI Procedure Clinic
600 Highland Avenue
Madison, WI
(608) 263-8097
(800) 323-8942
Meriter Hospital Digestive Health Center
Lower Level
202 S. Park Street
Madison, WI
(608) 417-6389
Resources: www.analcancerinfo.ucsf.edu.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 04/24/2013
Copyright © 04/11/2013 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#7385
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