Background

Common rectal medical problems, such as haemorrhoids, fissures and fistulae, often require surgical procedures for correction. Most instruments used for surgical access to the rectum suffer from disadvantages in that some require a person to hold them in place, and use of other types such as the Parks retractor come with a risk of injury.

About 9,000 surgical procedures to remove haemorrhoids are carried out in the UK each year, and this is a problem common throughout the world. The aim of the project at Sheffield Hallam University was to produce a disposable, self-retaining speculum that provides effective physical and visual access.

The technology

Product designers at Sheffield Hallam have produced a novel device that involves a two or three part speculum, with a plastic body and soft retaining ring. A UK patent application has been filed.

Benefits

The main benefits of the new design are that it is self-retaining, there is a low risk of injury, and it is disposable and low cost.

Development stage

The University is seeking a licensing partner to take on manufacturing and distribution rights for the product. Advanced CAD drawings have been produced and rapid prototypes have been made, a relationship with a leading proctologist in Europe exists, to provide assistance and support.

Lead researcher(s)

Professor Paul Chamberlain