The Hammersmith colorectal foot pedal

This technical note describes use of a footpedal to switch on a rigid sigmoidoscope/proctoscope, demonstrating increased speed and efficiency of proctoscopy examination.

Use of a footpedal to control the light source of a rigid sigmoidoscope/proctoscope, enabling the user to switch the light source on and off with their foot, rather then at the wall, switch, leaving hands free.

Benefits include increased efficiency and speed of examination with reduced time on the couch for the patient and reduced risk of the halogen lighting bulb being left switched on, thus prolonging the life of the equipment.

Although we do not claim originality for its use we have found it particularly helpful and believe that its use should be more widely publicised.