Proctoscope

A proctoscope, also known as a rectoscope, is a medical instrument used to open and look into the anal cavity, rectal cavityor sigmoid colon, in a procedure that is called proctoscopyand is standard in physical examinations of older people. It is a short (10in or 25 cm long), straight, rigid and hollow metal tube, and usually has a small light bulb mounted at the end. Disposable proctoscopes without light are also available. The sigmoidoscopeis a longer version of the proctoscope.

In a proctoscopy, the proctoscope is lubricated and inserted into the rectum, and then the obturatoris removed, allowing an unubstructed view of the interior of the rectal cavity. This procedure is normally done to inspect for hemorrhoidsor rectal polypsand might be mildly uncomfortable as the proctoscope is inserted further into the rectum. Modern fibre-opticproctoscopes allow more extensive observation with less discomfort.

The proctoscope also has a hollowchannel through which other instruments may be inserted. For example, another instrument may be used to take a biopsyof a small amount of tissuefor examination under a microscope. Also, air may be injected through the proctoscope to help make viewing easier.

See also

• Endoscopy
• Hemorrhoids
• Rubber band ligation

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It uses material from the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proctoscope Wikipedia article Proctoscope.