Description: This device was used (and still is today!) to detect cancerous growths, bleeding, inflammation, and other gastroenterologic conditions. In particular, the anoscope is a small, rigid tube used to examine the last part of a patient’s colon (anal canal and rectum) by insertion of a camera in the anoscope’s hollow interior (ANOSCOPY). Modern procedures continue to include anoscopy in addition to rigid and flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy which are used to reach further portions of the colon.
Origin: Circa 1920s; New York City, New York
Manufacturer: Wappler Electric Company, N.Y.