A simplified method for anal ultrasonography: preliminary report.
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.
Castellani
Danilo
D
Gastroenterology and Hepatology Section, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Italy.
Antonelli
Elisabetta
E
Sabatino
Giuseppe
G
Morelli
Olivia
O
Baldoni
Monia
M
Clerici
Carlo
C
Morelli
Antonio
A
Bassotti
Gabrio
G
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*