I have had both surgical tools used on me. A proctoscope is used in inspection the colon and an endoscope is used inside a small opening in the skin with another opening with an air pump keeping the skin above the rest of the body. When surgery is performed 2 more small openings are used for the surgical tools. I had that kind of surgery performed on me with the explanation from the doctor detailing how the surgery would be done. So I have had both kinds of surgery performed on me. Therefore I understand both tools and procedures they are used for. At 74 I have had several surgeries done on me!