Patent ID: 6913611

Claim:
An apparatus for manipulating anatomical structures, including the rectosigmoid, comprising: a. a cannula of a predetermined length, having a hollow interior, an open first and a closed second end, the second end insertable a distance into the rectum, wherein the cannula further comprises graduations at 20 cm-15 cm; 10 cm; 7.5 cm; 5 cm and 2.5 cm along its wall between the cone portion and the balloon portion; b. means on the first end for sealing the first end of the cannula against the rectal opening; c. a stylet insertable into the hollow interior of the cannula; d. a balloon surrounding a portion of the exterior of the cannula terminating at the second end of the cannula; e. a fluid injectable into the balloon for inflating the balloon so that the apparatus can be gently manipulated against the anatomical structure, including the rectosigmoid, to move the structure during surgery or examinations.