PROCTOSCOPE INSTRUMENT

Proctoscopy or rectoscopy is a common medical procedure in which an instrument called a proctoscope (also known as a rectoscope although the latter may be a bit longer) is used to examine the anal cavity rectum or sigmoid colon. A proctoscope is a short straight rigid hollow metal tube and usually has a small light bulb mounted at the end. It is approximately 15 cm (5 inches) long while a rectoscope is approximately 25 cm (10 inches) long.[1] During proctoscopy the proctoscope is lubricated and inserted into the rectum and then the obturator is removed allowing an unobstructed view of the interior of the rectal cavity. This procedure is normally done to inspect for hemorrhoids or rectal polyps and might be mildly uncomfortable as the proctoscope is inserted further into the rectum. Modern fibre-optic proctoscopes allow more extensive observation with less discomfort.