Describe your proctoscope exam in detail

For those that have had one, what was it like? What position were you in? Was anyone else present? What kind of table was it done on? Just some sample questions. I’m curious

I've had several proctoscope examinations over the years in a variety of positions - lying on my side, knee chest (all fours), and even lithotomy position.

Most cases was a pretty short scope, no more than 3 or 4 inches, but I had one doctor who was a gastroenterologist, but also practiced internal medicine, who occasionally as part of my annual physical examined me with a plastic, rigid sigmoidoscope, that was almost 10 inches long.

I saw this doctor when I was in my 30's. I had no GI problems, it just happened that the doctor I used for my primary care doctor was also a GI doctor. When I would see my doctor for my annual physical exam I was sent to the restroom off the exam room to take two fleets enemas to empty my lower bowel. I was then given a gown and told to remove all of my clothing. My doctor would come into the room to do the full head to toe physical exam. When the genital exam was completed, the nurse was asked to enter the exam room to assist with the scope part of the exam.

I was told to get on the table on all fours and lower my cheek and shoulder down to the table. The doctor would perform the rectal exam and examine my prostate. The nurse would lubricate the scope, and the doctor would insert the scope and perform the exam.

When it was all done I was given a box of tissues, told to clean up and meet in the doctor's office.

I guess I used to get that every two to three years.

Unfortunately it has been over 20 years since I had my last sigmoidoscopy using the rigid scope. Today all sigmoidoscopies are done with the flexible scope. How I miss the rigid scope! I have had occasional anoscopic exams but the anoscope is only about 4" long compared with the 10" sigmoidoscope .

I had 2 different doctor who used the rigid scope years ago. My gp included the procedure in my annual physical and always did them in the Sims position. I was entitled to an annual check-up by the company physician at work. He always did the exam on an exam table that tilted my butt upward and my head downward while my knees were on the table's kneeler.

The prep for both was the same; an enema prior to the examination to cleanse the rectum and sigmoid colon.

My experience was similar to Cindy and PDA.

While in England in the 70's rigid sigmoidoscopy was the norm. GP performed only if family history existed.

In old days, nurse would perform initial including bloods, urine, then 2 qt enema, apparatus disposable. Later doctor would perform head to toe exam, all parts touched, then anoscope followed by evaluation by sigmoidoscope including retracting of plunger viewing illuminated by light.

Here in the states, internist would view with anoscope.

Wellness exams do not include anything below the waist, at least not in Vermont.

Young docs are shy, no genital nor rectal/colon exam, period. Standard of care has been formulated on statistics. People in age band, risk is established then checks put in place. Prostate cancer in old a matter of course, with most dying of other disease, hence, little emphasis on detection. I always ask for dre,, and PSA. Insurance pays for the asking. one would think the humans are not statistics, and test ought to be performed.

Only was is to ask for urological exam.

Gastroenterologist, now examines with a flexible sigmoidoscope in which prep is not nice, i.e. the liquid.