Which instrument is used to examine the rectum?

The instrument specifically designed to examine the rectum is the proctoscope. This medical tool is a rigid or flexible tube equipped with a light and sometimes a camera, which allows healthcare professionals to visualize the interior of the rectum for diagnosis or treatment of various conditions such as hemorrhoids, rectal bleeding, or polyps.

While colonoscopes and sigmoidoscopes also play roles in examining parts of the lower gastrointestinal tract, their focus is slightly different. A colonoscope is used to visualize the entire colon, and a sigmoidoscope is designed primarily for examining the sigmoid colon and rectum. The proctoscope, however, is tailored specifically to the rectal region, making it the most suitable choice for examining that area directly. Additionally, endoscopes are broader instruments used for a wider range of internal examinations throughout the body, but they are not specific to the rectum.