Endoanal ultrasound
Ultrasound imaging of the anal sphincter complex
A type of medical investigation which images the structure of the anal canal
About
This is a muscle that maintains constriction of a natural body passage, such as the anus. It may also show abnormal thinning of an intact internal sphincter, associated with incontinence.
Need to know
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What happens during an endoanal ultrasound? icon plus
You will be asked to change into a gown before the ultrasound is performed. In order for the consultant to carry out the test, you will be asked to lie on a couch on your left side. They will explain to you what they are doing at each stage of the test.
Once you are comfortable, your consultant will insert a fine tube into your anus (back passage). The tube will be attached to a lead which is connected to a machine. The consultant will view the area and take images at different positions. You should feel very little, if any, discomfort during this test. -
How to prepare icon plus
If instructed by your consultant, you may be required to stop all laxative medication and the use of suppositories prior to your appointment. Otherwise, you do not need to do anything before your arrival at the hospital.
You can eat and drink as normal and continue to take any medication that you would normally take. There is no reason why the tests should have any adverse effects but you are welcome to bring along somebody for support. -
After your ultrasound scan icon plus
After the test you will be allowed to rest for a while and then you will be allowed to go home. Since a sedative is not administered during the test you do not need anyone to accompany you home but you can ask a family member or friend to pick you up if you would prefer.
You may experience a little discomfort in the lower part of the tummy or back passage after the test for a few hours but this usually settles down. Bleeding through the back passage is very unusual. If you do experience any unusual symptoms you can contact our team for immediate advice.
Our consultants
Our locations in London
From complex surgery to straightforward procedures, we provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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London Digestive Centre
41 Welbeck Street
London
W1G 8DU
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London Digestive Health
2nd Floor
41 Welbeck Street
London W1G 8DU
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London Digestive Surgery
41 Welbeck Street
London
W1G 8DU
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The Endoscopy Centre
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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HCA UK at The Shard
The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
Private endoanal ultrasound in Birmingham
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The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way
Birmingham B15 2FQ
Book diagnostic tests and scans
Our advisors can help with enquiries about booking a diagnostic scan and can help you book an appointment for a diagnostic test or scan once you have been referred by a GP or consultant.
Call us on
020 7079 4344