What is a Proctoscopy

Proctoscopy is a procedure that uses a hollow tube (proctoscope) to look inside the anus and rectum. This procedure may be done to:

• Check for signs of disease or cancer in the rectum or anal cavity.
• Check for sources of bleeding.
• Diagnose enlarged tissue at the outer end of the rectum (hemorrhoids).
• Remove a sample of mucus or tissue (biopsy) to be tested for signs of disease.

A proctoscopy is a relatively quick test, and it is usually not painful. You may need to take medicines to empty your bowel before the procedure (bowel prep).

Tell a health care provider about:

• Any blood disorders you have.
• Any medical conditions you have.
• Any allergies you have.
• Any surgeries you have had.
• All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.

What are the risks?

Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur, including:

• Bleeding.
• Infection. This is rare.
• Damage to other structures or organs. This is rare.

What happens before the procedure?

• Ask your health care provider about:
  • Changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines or blood thinners.
  • Taking over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
  • Taking medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can thin your blood. Do not take these medicines unless your health care provider tells you to take them.
• Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating and drinking restrictions.
• If you were prescribed medicine to clear out your bowel, take it as told by your health care provider.

What happens during the procedure?

• To lower your risk of infection, your health care team will wash or sanitize their hands.
• You will lie on your side with your knees pulled up toward your chest.
• You may have a digital rectal exam before the proctoscopy. This involves your health care provider placing a lubricated, gloved finger into your rectum. You will be asked to relax and take a deep breath as the finger is inserted.
• The proctoscope will be lubricated and slowly inserted into your rectum. You will be asked to relax and take a deep breath as the proctoscope is inserted.
• An insert in the middle of the proctoscope (obturator) will be removed to allow your health care provider to see the inside of the rectum and the anal canal.
• If the proctoscope does not have a light on the end, a light will be shined through the proctoscope to show the tissue in the rectum and anal cavity.
• If needed, a narrow tool (forceps) will be inserted through the proctoscope to remove a sample of tissue or mucus from the rectum.
• The proctoscope will be slowly removed from your rectum.

The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.

What happens after the procedure?

• You will be able to return to your normal activities.
• You may have mild rectal bleeding, abdominal bloating, or gas.
• It is up to you to get the results of your procedure. Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the procedure, when your results will be ready.

Summary

• A proctoscopy is a procedure that uses a hollow tube (proctoscope) to look inside the anus and rectum.
• A proctoscopy is a relatively quick test, and it is usually not painful.
• Before the procedure, you may need to take medicines to empty your bowel.
• In some cases, a sample of mucus or tissue (biopsy) may be taken for testing.
• You may have mild bleeding or bloating after the procedure.

Proctoscopy, Care After

This sheet gives you information about how to care for yourself after your procedure. Your health care provider may also give you more specific instructions. If you have problems or questions, contact your health care provider.

What can I expect after the procedure?

After the procedure, it is common to have:

• Minor bleeding from the rectum.
• Mild bloating or gas.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating or drinking restrictions.
• Drink enough fluid to keep your urine clear or pale yellow.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You have a lot of pain or discomfort after the procedure.
• You have a fever.

Get help right away if:

• You have severe bleeding from your rectum.
• You have severe abdomen pain that does not get better with medicine.
• You have abnormal stool (feces).
• You have more blood in your stool than you had before the procedure.
• You have a fever.

Summary

• After this procedure, it is common to have mild bleeding and bloating.
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider.
• Get help right away if you have severe bleeding from your rectum after the procedure.