[The organisation and carrying-out of proctological examinations].

Coloproctology, a specialist field requiring specialist knowledge, experience and skill, is dealt with only marginally in current further education courses for doctors. A thorough anamnesis, and here a questionnaire is of great help in procuring rapid and complete information, and examination of the patient in the lithotomy position (being the most comfortable for the patient and the most practical for the doctor) ar vital. A thorough basic diagnosis, independent of the reported symptoms, is always required: 1. Abdominal examination. 2. Inspection and palpation of the anal region with and without abdominal muscular pressure. 3. Digital examination, including the prostate. 4. Rectosigmoidoscopy. 5. Proctoscopy, possibly with anal speculum examination. 6. Test for occult blood in the faeces. Depending on the anamnesis and findings, this basic diagnosis must be supplemented by further tests.