Can Proctoscopy Detect Proctitis?

Currently, colonoscopy is the primary method used for examining the lower gastrointestinal tract. This is because examining only a segment of the intestine may not provide a complete picture of the overall condition of the colon and rectum. Therefore, most medical professionals recommend a full colonoscopy to evaluate both the colon and rectum in one procedure.

When Is Proctoscopy Appropriate?

However, in some cases where symptoms are limited to the rectum, a proctoscopy may be sufficient. This procedure allows doctors to examine the rectum directly and can be effective in diagnosing conditions such as rectal inflammation or proctitis.

Why Colonoscopy Is Often Preferred for Initial Diagnosis

If it's the patient's first evaluation, a colonoscopy is generally recommended for a more comprehensive assessment. This helps ensure that conditions such as ulcerative colitis, which can affect areas beyond the rectum, are not missed or misdiagnosed.

Common Symptoms of Proctitis

Proctitis typically presents with rectal irritation symptoms, such as a feeling of rectal pressure or fullness, increased mucus in the stool, or the presence of blood in the bowel movements. These signs may prompt a physician to perform a closer examination of the rectal area.

The Limitations of Proctoscopy

However, because proctoscopy only visualizes the rectum, it has a limited scope and may overlook abnormalities in other parts of the colon. For this reason, it's often used in conjunction with other diagnostic tools or when the clinical suspicion is confined to the rectum.