title: A simplified method for anal ultrasonography: preliminary report.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Anal endosonography (AES) is able to reliably visualize and identify anal sphincter abnormalities. However, dedicated probes are quite expensive.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We describe a simple and less costly method to perform AES in a unit that already has echoendoscopes available by inserting the endoscope through a disposable anoscope filled with standard ultrasound gel.
  
  
  METHODS
  Subjects without anal abnormalities and patients with anal disease (abscesses, fistulas) were evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Good-quality images were obtained in both controls and patients, with optimal visualization of the anatomic structures and pathologic features. The latter (abscesses, fistulas) were always confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This simple and less costly method allows to perform good-quality AES in units having echoendoscopes availability, without the need of a more expensive dedicated probe.
authors.affiliation: Gastroenterology and Hepatology Section, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Italy.
authors.forename: Danilo
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Castellani
authors.forename: Elisabetta
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Antonelli
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sabatino
authors.forename: Olivia
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Morelli
authors.forename: Monia
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Baldoni
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Clerici
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Morelli
authors.forename: Gabrio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bassotti
mesh_terms: D000038:Abscess / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001003:Anal Canal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D001004:Anus Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004209:Disposable Equipment; D019723:Endoscopes / Q000191:economics; D019160:Endosonography / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012003:Rectal Fistula / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*