Author: medicine Sara Godyńska, proctologist · Medical review: doctor. Justyna Szul, proctologist and surgeon · Publication: 12/04/2025 · Update: 16/06/2026
During the examination, the proctologist may use, among others, an anoscope, proctoscope or rectoscope, but the scope of diagnostics is always adjusted to the patient's symptoms. Not every tool is needed at every visit. In many cases, talking, examining the anus area and a short rectal examination are enough.
Check the proctological consultation in Gdańsk →
| Basic examination | viewing the anal area and per rectal examination |
| Anoscope | allows viewing the anal canal |
| Rectoscope | allows you to assess the further part of the rectum |
| Ligator | is used for surgical rubber banding of hemorrhoids |
| Is each tool used? | no - the doctor selects them according to the indications and obtains the patient's consent |
Digital rectal examination allows the doctor to assess pain, sphincter tension and the presence of some changes in the anal canal and lower part of the rectum. However, it does not allow for a detailed look at the entire mucosa.
If the symptoms indicate a lesion inside the anal canal, the doctor may suggest an examination with a speculum. It allows you to see an area that cannot be accurately assessed by touch alone.
The tool is selected for the diagnostic question. Its use does not automatically mean a serious illness or the need for surgery.
An anoscope is a short, smooth speculum intended for viewing the anal canal and its immediate surroundings. It can be made of metal or plastic and have its own light source or work with external lighting.
Using an anoscope, the doctor can assess, among others:
Anoscopy usually takes a short time and is not performed automatically in every patient. The doctor makes the decision after an interview, examination of the anus area and a possible rectal examination.
The nomenclature may vary slightly depending on the type of equipment and practice, but the main difference concerns the length of the instrument and the scope of the viewed section.
It is short and is used primarily for viewing the anal canal. This is one of the most frequently used tools during outpatient proctological diagnostics.
May allow for the assessment of the anal canal and the lowest part of the rectum. Some models also allow you to perform simple procedures, such as inserting a gator or taking material for testing.
It is longer and allows you to assess the distal part of the rectum. Rectal examination may require prior preparation and is not a routine part of every first consultation.
If an even larger section of the intestine needs to be assessed, your doctor may recommend sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. However, these are separate tests, performed with different equipment and according to different preparation principles.
The ligator is used to place small rubber rings on internal hemorrhoids. Gumka ogranicza dopływ krwi do objętej nią tkanki, która z czasem obkurcza się i oddziela.
Ligator nie jest używany podczas każdej anoskopii. First, the doctor must recognize hemorrhoidal disease, assess its advancement and qualify the patient for an appropriate treatment method.
Information about available methods can be found on the website: hemorrhoids treatment in Gdańsk.
Nie podczas standardowego badania diagnostycznego. Surgical tools are used only when a specific procedure is planned, there are indications for it, and the patient has been informed about its course and has given consent.
This includes, among others, instruments used during:
For example, treatment of perianal abscess is a procedure separate from a regular consultation and requires individual qualification.
Dilatator nie jest standardowym narzędziem używanym podczas rutynowego badania proktologicznego. It may be recommended in selected situations, for example when the anal canal is narrowed, after certain surgeries or as part of treatment under the supervision of a specialist.
Extensions should not be used independently based on internet advice. A physician or appropriately trained specialist should determine the indications, select the size, discuss the method of use and explain when therapy should be discontinued.
Dilatator nie zastępuje diagnostyki przy bólu, krwawieniu ani podejrzeniu szczeliny odbytu. W takich sytuacjach pierwszym krokiem powinno być ustalenie przyczyny objawów.
It depends on the type of equipment. Część anoskopów, końcówek i elementów zabiegowych jest przeznaczona do jednorazowego użycia. Other tools are reusable and after each use they undergo the required washing, disinfection and sterilization process in accordance with their intended use.
The patient can ask the doctor or staff what type of instrument will be used and how its cleanliness is ensured.
U większości pacjentów badanie powoduje co najwyżej krótkotrwały ucisk, parcie albo niewielki dyskomfort. Greater pain may occur with a sharp fissure, abscess, blood clot or severe inflammation.
If you have severe pain, your doctor may limit the scope of the examination, postpone part of it, or treat the acute problem first.
A full discussion of this issue can be found in the article: does proctological examination hurt?
Yes. Before the examination or procedure, the doctor should explain its purpose, course and possible sensations. Pacjent może zadawać pytania, nie wyrazić zgody na określony etap albo poprosić o przerwanie badania.
Refusal may limit the ability to make a diagnosis, so the doctor should discuss possible consequences and available alternatives. However, the final decision rests with the patient.
No. In some cases, the diagnosis can be made by interview, examination of the anal area and digital rectal examination. In case of very severe pain or acute inflammation, the doctor may also consciously limit the scope of the first examination.
What you can expect during the consultation is described step by step in the article: - what is the first visit to a proctologist like?
Detailed information on organizing the visit can be found on the website: proctology consultation in Gdańsk.
No. The doctor selects the scope of the examination depending on the symptoms and the results of the previous assessment. In some cases, inspection of the anus area and rectal examination are sufficient. Anoscopy is performed when it is necessary to carefully examine the anal canal or determine the source of the symptoms.
Some tools and tips are disposable, while others are intended for repeated use. Reusable equipment must undergo an appropriate washing, disinfection and sterilization process after each patient. The type of instrument used depends on the examination and facility equipment.
Only when hemorrhoidal disease was diagnosed, the patient was qualified for rubber banding and consented to the procedure. The mere use of an anoscope does not mean automatic treatment. In some cases, the procedure is performed during a separate visit after prior discussion of the recommendations.
Do not start such therapy without specialist recommendations. The dilator must be selected for a specific problem, and the patient should receive instructions for safe use. Improper use may worsen pain, cause irritation or delay diagnosis of the actual cause of the condition.
The scope of the examination and the necessary tools are selected individually by the doctor depending on the symptoms. Proctological consultations at the Island of Friendly Medicine are conducted by:
Not every examination requires the use of a speculum. The scope of diagnostics is selected by the doctor after talking to the patient.
Schedule a consultation onlineThe information is of a general nature and does not replace a medical consultation. The type of examination, the use of a specific tool and qualification for the procedure are decided by the doctor after assessing the patient's symptoms and condition.