Proctoscopy Health Dictionary

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Proctoscopy: From 1 Different Sources

Examination of the anus and rectum with a proctoscope (a rigid viewing instrument).
Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association

Haemorrhoids

Swollen veins in the lining of the anus. Sometimes these veins protrude outside the anal canal, in which case they are called prolapsing haemorrhoids. Straining repeatedly to pass hard faeces is one of the main causes of haemorrhoids. Haemorrhoids are also common during pregnancy and just after childbirth.

Rectal bleeding and discomfort on defaecation are the most common features. Prolapsing haemorrhoids often produce a mucous discharge and itching around the anus. A complication of prolapse is thrombosis and strangulation; this can cause extreme pain.

Diagnosis is usually by proctoscopy. Mild cases are controlled by drinking plenty of fluids, eating a high-fibre diet, and establishing regular toilet habits. Rectal suppositories and creams containing corticosteroid drugs and local anaesthetics reduce pain and swelling. More troublesome haemorrhoids may be treated by sclerotherapy, cryosurgery, or by banding, in which a band is tied around the haemorrhoid, causing it to wither and drop off. A haemorrhoidectomy is generally required for prolapsing haemorrhoids.... haemorrhoids

Megacolon

A gross distension (enlargement) of the colon, usually accompanied by severe, chronic constipation.

In children, the main causes of megacolon are anal fissures, Hirschsprung’s disease, and psychological factors that may have arisen during toilet-training. In elderly people, causes include the long-term use of strong laxative drugs. People suffering from chronic depression or schizophrenia often have megacolon. Other, rarer causes include hypothyroidism, spinal injury, and drugs such as morphine and codeine.

Megacolon causes constipation and abdominal bloating. Associated loss of appetite may lead to weight loss. Diarrhoea may result if semi-liquid faeces leak around the obstructing hard faeces.

Diagnosis is made by proctoscopy, barium X-ray examination, and tests of bowel muscle function. If Hirschsprung’s disease is suspected, biopsy of the large intestine may be performed. Impacted faeces are often removed using enemas. In severe cases, the faeces must be removed manually.... megacolon

Proctitis

Inflammation of the rectum, causing soreness and bleeding, sometimes with a mucus and pus discharge. Proctitis commonly occurs as a feature of ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, or dysentery. In cases where inflammation is confined to the rectum, the cause is often unknown. In male homosexuals, proctitis is sometimes due to gonorrhoea or another sexually transmitted infection. Rare causes include tuberculosis, amoebiasis, and schistosomiasis.

Diagnosis is made by proctoscopy. A biopsy is sometimes needed. Treatment of the underlying cause usually clears the problem. Corticosteroid drugs may relieve symptoms.... proctitis

Rectal Bleeding

The passage of blood from the rectum or anus. The blood may be red, dark brown, or black. It may be mixed with, or on the surface of, faeces or passed separately, and there may be pain. Haemorrhoids are the most common cause of rectal bleeding. Small amounts of bright red blood appear on the surface of faeces or on toilet paper. Anal fissure, anal fistula, proctitis, or rectal prolapse may also cause rectal bleeding.Cancer of the colon (see colon, cancer of) or the rectum (see rectum, cancer of), or polyps can also cause bleeding. Disorders of the colon such as diverticular disease may cause dark red faeces. Black faeces (melaena) may be due to bleeding high in the digestive tract. Bloody diarrhoea may be due to ulcerative colitis, amoebiasis, or shigellosis. Diagnosis may be made from a rectal examination, from proctoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, or a double-contrast barium X-ray examination.

rectal examination Examination of the anus and rectum, performed as part of a general physical examination, to assess symptoms of pain or changes in bowel habits, and to check for the presence of tumours of the rectum or prostate gland. rectal prolapse Protrusion outsid.

nent in elderly people. If the prolapse is large, leakage of faeces may occur.

Treatment is with a fibre-rich diet.

Surgery may also be performed.... rectal bleeding

Rectum

A short, muscular tube that forms the lowest part of the large intestine and connects it to the anus.

Rectal disorders are diagnosed by rectal examination and proctoscopy or by sigmoidoscopy.... rectum

Proctoscope

n. an illuminated instrument that allows inspection of the distal rectum and the anus for the presence of haemorrhoids, rectal polyps or masses, anal fissures, and inflammation. Minor procedures (such as banding of haemorrhoids) may be performed during proctoscopy.... proctoscope

Solitary Rectal Ulcer Syndrome

an uncommon anorectal condition that produces symptoms of anal pain, rectal bleeding, straining during defecation, and obstructed defecation (dyssynergic defecation). *Proctoscopy reveals one or more benign rectal lesions, which are thought to be due to abnormal straining during defecation leading to prolapse of the distal anterior rectal wall and internal anal *intussusception.... solitary rectal ulcer syndrome

Rectum, Cancer Of

A cancerous tumour in the rectum. The cause is unknown, but dietary factors and genetic factors are thought to play a part. It is more common between ages 50 and 70.

Early symptoms are rectal bleeding during defecation and diarrhoea or constipation. Later, pain may occur. Left untreated, the cancer may eventually cause severe bleeding and pain and block the intestine. It may also spread to other organs.

The cancer may be detected by a rectal examination and confirmed with proctoscopy or sigmoidoscopy and biopsy.

Treatment is usually with surgery. For a tumour in the upper rectum, the affected area and the last part of the colon are removed and the 2 free ends of the intestine are sewn together. To promote healing, a temporary colostomy may be made. For a growth in the lower rectum, the entire rectum and anus are removed. Because there is no outlet for faeces, a permanent colostomy is created.

Radiotherapy and anticancer drugs may be used in addition to or instead of surgery.

Up to 40 per cent of people treated for rectal cancer live for 10 years or more.... rectum, cancer of


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