Abstract
Introduction Anal examination and videoanoscopy (VA) are rarely performed during colonoscopies.
In recent years, there has been a considerable increase in lesions of sexually transmitted
anal and rectal infections, but these conditions are not noticed or reported during
routine colonoscopy.
Objective To raise awareness regarding the fortuitous findings of lesions and sexually transmitted
infections (STIs) in colonoscopy exams and to demonstrate that anal examination and
VA provide important information and should be routinely performed.
Methods We conducted a descriptive retrospective study in 16,132 patients screened by colonoscopy
and VA between 2006 and 2018. Among numerous other findings, the presence of anal
condylomata and sexually transmitted retitis or perianal dermatitis was observed.
The rates of each finding were calculated, and the patients were subdivided by sex
and into age groups by blocks of ten years.
Results Among the 16,132 colonoscopies performed, 26 cases of condyloma (0.16%) and 50 cases
of proctitis or perianal dermatitis suspicious for STI (0.33%) were found.
Conclusion Performing anal examination and VA systematically in all routine colonoscopies enabled
the identification of numerous anal conditions, including several fortuitous cases
of STIs. The study proposes that anal examination and VA should be performed in all
routine colonoscopies and, in suspected cases, complementary tests for STIs.
Keywords
proctoscopy - anal canal - colonoscopy - STI
