The word "sphincteroscope" refers to a medical instrument used to examine the anal sphincter. The word is spelled "sphincteroscope" and pronounced as /ˈsfɪŋktərəskəʊp/. The first part of the word "sphinctero-" comes from the Greek word "sphingktēr," meaning "band" or "squeezer." The second part of the word, "-scope," indicates that it is an instrument used for observation or examination. The IPA phonetic transcription shows that the word is made up of 11 distinct sound units, highlighting the complexity of this term.
A sphincteroscope is a medical device used in the field of gastroenterology for visual examination and diagnostic procedures of the gastrointestinal tract, specifically the lower rectum and anal canal. It is a specialized instrument that allows healthcare professionals, such as gastroenterologists or colorectal surgeons, to directly visualize and assess the condition of the sphincter muscles.
This device typically consists of a slim, flexible tube-like structure that contains a light source and a camera attached to one end. The camera captures high-resolution images of the internal structures, which are then visualized on a monitor, enabling the medical practitioner to obtain a clear and detailed view of the sphincter muscles.
The procedure involving a sphincteroscope is known as a sphincter examination or anorectal manometry, conducted to evaluate the functionality and muscle tone of the anal sphincter complex. It aids in diagnosing various conditions and disorders affecting the sphincter muscles, such as fecal incontinence, anal fissures, rectal prolapse, or sphincter dysfunction.
During the procedure, the sphincteroscope is carefully inserted into the rectal canal, and the doctor navigates the instrument while observing the real-time images on the monitor. The examination may also involve the measurement of pressures exerted by the sphincter muscles to assess muscle function.
Sphincteroscopy is generally regarded as a safe and effective technique for evaluating the sphincter muscles, providing valuable insights for accurate diagnosis and subsequent treatment planning.
A speculum to facilitate inspection of the internal sphincter ani muscle.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "sphincteroscope" is derived from combining two Greek roots: "sphincter" and "scope".
1. "Sphincter": This term comes from the Greek word "sphingktḗr", which means "that which binds tightly" or "knot". It refers to a circular muscle that acts as a valve to control the opening and closing of various body passages. The Greek root "sphingktḗr" can be further traced back to the verb "sphinggō", meaning "to bind tightly" or "to tie".
2. "Scope": This part of the word is derived from the Greek word "skopḗō", which means "to look at" or "to examine". The word "scope" is often used as a suffix to indicate an instrument or device used for visualization or examination.