The medical examination
A proctologic examination is an unpleasant prospect for all of us. Physicians, however, are well trained to make the procedure as painless as possible and treat many patients like you.
Your doctor will first ask you about your symptoms and your bowel habits. Having explained the subsequent procedure to you, he will then proceed to carry out a visual examination of the anal region and gently palpate the anal canal. To help you feel comfortable and respect your privacy, those parts of your body which are not examined will be covered.
For a more detailed assessment of the lining of the anal canal, an inspection with a small tube called a proctoscope may be performed. With a rectoscope it is also possible to inspect the rectum up to a height of 15 centimeters. Prior to these procedures, the rectum is cleansed with an enema.
Rectoscopy and proctoscopy are possible in different positions.
Patients may be asked to:
If necessary, a sedative or anesthetics can be given to keep the patient comfortable.
For a more detailed assessment of the lining of the anal canal, an inspection with a small tube called a proctoscope may be performed. With a rectoscope it is also possible to inspect the rectum up to a height of 15 centimeters. Prior to these procedures, the rectum is cleansed with an enema.
Rectoscopy and proctoscopy are possible in different positions.
Patients may be asked to:
- lie down on their left side, with their legs drawn up (left lateral position) or
- kneel on a soft horizontal base and support themselves on knees and elbows (knee-elbow position) or
- lie on their backs in a position similar to that taken in a gynecologist’s examination chair. This is the most comfortable position for the patient.
If necessary, a sedative or anesthetics can be given to keep the patient comfortable.
