Dr. Mohammed Hatem AlsubaihCan one replace the other?
Examination assesses pain, openings, skin, continence and clinical context. MRI maps deeper tissues and tracts. Their descriptions may differ while both remain useful; findings should be reconciled.
Why consider examination under anaesthesia?
Pain may limit office assessment, or anatomy and infection may need direct evaluation. Clarify in advance which interventions are agreed if findings differ: drainage, a seton or definitive treatment.
What if imaging and surgery disagree?
Keep scan and procedure dates; inflammation can change and images may not show every detail. Ask for an explanation using both records rather than assuming every difference requires another scan.
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