digestive disorders
Overview of the Anus and Rectum
Diagnosis of Anal and Rectal Disorders
A doctor's evaluation Anoscopy or sigmoidoscopy Possibly computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) To diagnose disorders of the anus and rectum, a doctor inspects the skin around the anus for any abnormality. With a gloved finger, the doctor probes the rectum. For women, this is often done along with a manual examination of the vagina (see Gynecologic Examination ). Doctors often also examine the abdomen. Next, a doctor looks into the anus and rectum with a 3- to 10-inch (about 7- to 25-centimeter) rigid viewing tube (anoscope or proctoscope). A longer, flexible tube (sigmoidoscope) may then be inserted so that the doctor can observe as much as 2 or more feet of the large intestine. An anoscopy or sigmoidoscopy (see Endoscopy ) is generally uncomfortable but not painful. However, if the area in or around the anus is painful because of an abnormal condition, the doctor may apply a numbing ointment (such as Tissue and stool samples for microscopic examination and cultures may be obtained during sigmoidoscopy. A Computed Tomography (CT) or 