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Why is a proctoscope exam done?
Proctoscopy is a common medical procedure in which an instrument called a
proctoscope (also known as a rectoscope) is used to examine the anal cavity,
rectum or sigmoid colon. A proctoscope is a short (10in or 25 cm long),
straight, rigid, hollow metal tube, and usually has a small light bulb mounted
at the end. During proctoscopy, the proctoscope is lubricated and inserted into
the rectum, and then the obturator is removed, allowing an unubstructed 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.
Disposable proctoscopes without light are also available. The proctoscope also
has a hollow channel through which other instruments may be inserted. For
example, another instrument may be used to take a biopsy of a small amount of
tissue for examination under a microscope. Also, air may be injected through the
proctoscope to help make viewing easier. Similar instruments, the sigmoidoscope
and colonoscope may be used to visualize more proximal parts of the bowels.
