Proctoscope

Abstract

A unitary disposable proctoscope of plastic or the like comprising an elongated body with a gradually curved front end portion, an elongated rearwardly open viewing slot with a gently arcuate front end wall, a relatively wide flaring flange at a rear portion of the body serving as an external rectractor, and an integral handle disposed rearwardly of the flange.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various proctoscope designs have been proposed in the past but none of these have been completely satisfactory in use. For example, a proctoscope of the type shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,469,880 to Kowan is of desirably simple one-piece construction but the bulbous front end portion thereof and the recommended rotary mode of use thereof results in substantial discomfort to the patient.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

It is a general object of the present invention to provide a unitary disposable proctoscope which can be employed with a minimum of discomfort to the patient which improves substantially both visual and physical access to the anus and lower rectum and which serves also as an external rectractor of perianal tissue.

The proctoscope of the invention is well suited to use in explorations of the rectum and anal canal and as an aid in the diagnosis and treatment of hemorrhoids, tumors, cryptitis and other anal--rectal disorders. Minor surgery in the lower portion of the rectum and anal canal can also be advantageously carried out with the aid of the proctoscope.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the improved proctoscope.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the proctoscope.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the proctoscope.

FIG. 4 is a radial section taken generally as indicated at 4--4 in FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring particularly to FIG. 1, it will be observed that an axially elongated body portion 10 of the proctoscope has a front end portion 12 which is gradually arcuate for ease of insertion into an anal canal. At a rear portion 14, the body of the proctoscope carries a flange indicated generally at 16 and which extends generally radially outwardly from the body portion. A slot 18 extends axially within and along the axially elongated body 10 and is open rearwardly for use as a viewing slot. The bottom wall 20 of the slot 18 is preferably inclined so that the slot deepens gradually when viewed from front to rear. At a front end portion 22, the bottom wall of the slot, terminating short of the front of the body portion 10, tapers gradually forwardly and radially outwardly so as to provide gently blending surfaces.

As will be apparent, the gradual arcuate configuration of the front end portion 12 and the gradual arcuate configuration of the wall 22 serve importantly in the minimization of discomfort to the patient. On insertion of the proctoscope, the front end portion 12 serves to reduce discomfort and, on withdrawal of the proctoscope, the gradually tapered portion 22 minimizes the likelihood of discomfort and of picking up mucus or other material.

The body 10 is generally circular in cross section and, in its presently preferred form, the body is substantially elliptical with the slot 18 opening through a section of lesser radius as best illustrated in FIG. 4.

The flange 16 extends circumaxially about the rear portion 14 of the body of the proctoscope but terminates short of the slot 18. As mentioned above, the flange is relatively wide and as shown, the flange extends radially in all directions a distance at least twice the average radius of the body 10. In the radial direction opposite the slot 18, the flange extends from the body for a distance at least four times the average radius of the body. Thus, the flange is considerably elongated in the direction opposite the slot 18 and curves gradually forwardly at a radial inner section 24 so as to blend smoothly with the body 10. Further, the junction or blending section 24 meets with the rear portion 14 of the body 10 and the gradual reduction of cross section continues in a forward direction. That is, the body 10 tapers inwardly as viewed from the rear or; conversely, the body exhibits a gradual outward taper when the instrument is viewed from front to rear.

A handle 26 is preferably formed integrally at a rear surface of the flange 16 in the preferred embodiment of the proctoscope and the lower or bottom wall 20 of the slot 18 forms a top surface of the handle 26 at its rear end portion, FIG. 2. A small axially extending and upwardly open groove 28 is formed in said surface in accordance with the presently preferred practice for use as a guide for an operating or other instrument. That is, a comparatively long instrument may be entered in the groove for guidance and for ease in manipulation of its forward end.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that the flange 16 is of a configuration well adapted for use as an external rectractor for perianal tissue such that the tissue may be easily displaced in carrying out minor surgery. A completely open viewing area is provided with the flange 16 and the slot 18 for ease of viewing and access to the perianal area, the anal verge, the hemorrhoid bearing area and the lower rectum. The handle 26 provides for ease in manipulation, removal and re-insertion of the instrument and it is apparent that the instrument may be readily used with one hand leaving the other hand free for a surgical instrument. As mentioned, the proctoscope of the present invention is preferably constructed of plastic or other material for disposable use and a plastic having a dull finish is to be desired for minimum light reflection during use.

Claims

I claim:

1. A proctoscope comprising an axially elongated body of generally circular cross section with front and rear portions, said front portion being gradually arcuate for ease of insertion into an anal canal, said front and rear portions having an axially elongated slot therein which terminates short of the front end of said body, said slot being open axially at its rear end and closed at its front end by a gradually forwardly and radially outwardly tapering wall, said rear portion having an integral generally radially outwardly extending flange disposed circumaxially thereabout but terminating short of said slot, said flange being elongated radially in a direction opposite said slot and curving gradually forwardly at a radial inner section to blend smoothly with said body, the latter exhibiting a complementary and blending gradual reduction of cross section in a forward direction, and a handle connected rearwardly of said flange.

2. A proctoscope as set forth in claim 1 wherein said slot deepens gradually from front to rear.

3. A proctoscope as set forth in claim 1 wherein a small generally axial groove is provided at a rear end portion of a bottom wall of said slot.

4. A proctoscope as set forth in claim 1 wherein said flange extends radially in all directions a distance at least twice the average radius of said body.

5. A proctoscope as set forth in claim 4 wherein said flange extends radially in the direction opposite said slot a distance at least four times the average radius of said body.