Review these high-resolution anoscopy instructions before your procedure. Proper preparation helps ensure accurate results and a safe examination.

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HIGH RESOLUTION ANOSCOPY (HRA) PREP
1 DAY BEFORE
  • DO NOT put any creams or medications into your anus
  • DO NOT insert toys, fingers, or other objects into your anus
  • DO NOT douche or use enemas
  • DO NOT have receptive anal sex
MEDICATIONS
  • If you are taking Medicines That Thin Your Blood: Contact your provider to discuss any adjustments that might be required
    • Medications include but are not limited to Aspirin, Plavix, Coumadin, Lovenox, Eliquis, Xarelto
  • If you are taking Aspirin: Do not hold it pre-procedure. Please take it the morning of your procedure with a small sip of water
  • If you are taking Blood Pressure Medication: Do not hold them pre-procedure. Take them the morning of your procedure with a small sip of water
  • If you are taking Diabetes Medications: Contact your prescribing doctor to discuss adjustments the day before and the day of your procedure
PROCEDURE DAY
  • DO NOT DOUCHE OR USE ENEMAS
    • Doing so can make it too difficult to see and we may not be able to do the procedure
  • 8 HOURS PRIOR: STOP EATING
    • You can consume clear liquids up until 3 hours before the test
    • Clear liquids include iced/hot tea, black coffee, clear broth, apple or white grape juice (without pulp), gingerale, jello, ice pops
  • 3 HOURS BEFORE:
    • STOP CLEAR LIQUIDS. No candy or gum either
  • Take your regular medications in the morning with sips of water
  • Failure to follow these instructions may result in a delay or cancellation of your procedure
ARRIVAL
  • Arrive 30 minutes prior to your procedure, no later!
  • Bring list of current medications including doses
  • Bring a Photo ID
  • Bring Insurance Card
  • Bring any applicable Referrals
  • Please do not bring any valuables
ESCORT
  • Please ensure that you have an escort (responsible adult over the age of 18) to pick you up at the end of the procedure
URINE PREGNANCY TESTING
  • If you are a premenopausal woman, you will need to submit a urine sample upon office check in
WHAT TO EXPECT POST PROCEDURE
  • You are expected to have post procedure anal pressure. This can last for a few days.
  • For control of pressure, use over the counter Tylenol 325mg, 1-2 tabs every 8 hours as needed, for the first several days.
  • Most patients DO NOT experience pain. Just in case you have pain, your health care provider may prescribe pain control medication
    • If you are one of the few patients who requires pain control medication make sure to bring the rest of your prescription bottle to your follow up appointments
  • Spotting of blood may occur for the first few days after your procedure.
  • Delayed bleeding can occur, usually 1-2 weeks post procedure, when the tissue heals and the scabs from the procedure site start to shed. This is expected
Updated on Jun 5, 2026 by Manhattan Gastroenterology