High-Resolution Anoscopy
High-resolution anoscopy is a procedure used to detect abnormal cells in the anus that have a high chance of turning into cancer. It’s a simple procedure that only takes around 10 minutes.
What is high-resolution anoscopy?
High-resolution anoscopy is an examination of the anal canal. It’s performed to help diagnose anal conditions and mainly to look for abnormal cells in the anus and rectum that have a high chance of turning into cancer.
High-resolution anoscopy may be recommended if you’re experiencing symptoms such as:
pain in or near your anus
bleeding from your rectum
anal itching
It may also be recommended after a positive HPV test, especially if this test shows that you could be at higher risk for anal dysplasia or anal cancer. In addition, high-resolution anoscopy can be used to look for the return of anal cancer after treatment.
At Welbeck, our consultants carry out high-resolution anoscopy in our state-of-the-art Digestive Health centre, on an outpatient basis.
More information
Your consultant will explain the procedure to you before and during the process and help you feel as relaxed and comfortable as possible.
During the procedure, you’ll be asked to lie on your side with your knees bent and pulled up toward your chest. A small diameter plastic tube (slightly wider than a finger) will be lubricated and inserted gently into the anus. The tube contains a high-resolution camera connected to a screen, and the view is magnified many times. At Welbeck, we use state-of-the-art cameras with high magnification, reducing the chance of missing small abnormalities that are hard to see with the naked eye.
Your surgeon will explain what they can see on the camera during, or just after, the procedure. Sometimes biopsies are necessary to make a final diagnosis. This involves taking a small sample of tissue, and can be done during the anoscopy.
A high-resolution anoscopy typically takes about 10 minutes to perform. The procedure is generally painless, though a small amount of controlled bleeding may occur if a biopsy is taken. If a biopsy is required, your consultant will inform you when to expect the results.
High-resolution anoscopy is considered a safe procedure, but like all medical tests, it carries some risks.
Possible risks include:
minor bleeding, especially if a biopsy is taken
temporary discomfort or soreness
very rarely, an infection at the biopsy site
There’s no preparation needed for a high-resolution anoscopy. However, it’s advised to avoid enemas or anything that clears out the anal canal, as this may wash away cells that need to be collected for testing. You should also avoid placing anything in your anal canal for 24 hours prior to the procedure.
High-resolution anoscopy is not usually painful, but you may feel some discomfort and pressure. You may experience some soreness afterwards, and there may be some mild bleeding if a biopsy was taken, but these should go away after a few days.
The test does not require anaesthetic or sedation, so it’s safe for you to drive yourself home and go about your normal activities straight after the procedure.
High-resolution anoscopy pricing starts from £1,750 and includes your initial consultation and any biopsies involved.
Follow-up (under surveillance) pricing starts at £1,450.
At Welbeck, our consultants are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.
With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.
All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.
To book a high-resolution anoscopy, you must be referred by either your GP or a specialist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this test.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with a Welbeck specialist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.
Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, if you’d like to bring someone with you, just let your consultant know. You’ll be able to go home on your own after the procedure, as no anaesthetic or sedative is used.
An anal cytology test (where a cotton swab is used to collect cells from the anus) can be used to check for abnormal cells, but it doesn’t provide as much detail. High-resolution anoscopy is considered the gold standard technique for detecting anal cancer.
A colonoscopy examines the whole large bowel, while a high-resolution anoscopy focuses only on the anal canal. High-resolution anoscopy can be used to look at very small changes that might not be visible during a colonoscopy. High-resolution anoscopy is a much quicker procedure and does not require the same preparation as a colonoscopy (a prescribed diet and a laxative before the procedure).
If abnormal or pre-cancerous cells are found, a biopsy will be taken and your consultant will be in touch as soon as the results are available (usually within a few days). Your consultant will arrange a follow-up appointment to discuss treatment options. These may include close monitoring, local removal of the abnormal cells, or other targeted treatments, depending on the severity.