Digital Rectal Examination
Digital Rectal Examination - Related Videos
09:39
Male Rectal Exam
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2023
Source: Joseph Donroe, MD, Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT While its usefulness in cancer screening is debated, the male rectal examination remains an important part of the physical exam. The exam is indicated in selected patients with lower urinary tract symptoms, urinary and/or fecal incontinence or retention, back pain, anorectal symptoms, abdominal complaints, trauma patients, unexplained anemia, weight loss, or bone pain. There are no absolute...
04:09
The Pocket-Creation Procedure of Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Large Rectal Laterally Spreading Tumors
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Cited by 1 •
2026
This study details a standardized PCM-ESD protocol for resecting large rectal LSTs, aiming to enhance dissection speed and prevent transmural perforation via submucosal tunneling.
01:27
Assessing Body Temperature - Rectal
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2025
Rectal temperature measurement is considered the most precise method for assessing core body temperature and typically registers higher than oral temperature. For adults, the rectal thermometer should be inserted 1 to 1.5 inches into the rectum to obtain the most accurate reading. Follow these steps for rectal temperature assessment: Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don clean gloves to prevent cross-infection. Step 2: Position the patient in a side-lying position to better visualize the rectal...
05:32
Povidone Iodine Rectal Preparation at Time of Prostate Needle Biopsy is a Simple and Reproducible Means to Reduce Risk of Procedural Infection
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Cited by 5 •
2015
Here, we present a protocol for use at the time of transrectal ultrasound guided prostate needle biopsy (TRUS PNB) that is a simple and cost-effective means to reduce infections following the procedure.
03:02
Immunohistochemical Staining of S-100 Protein in Human Rectal Suction Biopsy Sections
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2025
This video demonstrates the immunohistochemical staining for S-100 protein in rectal suction biopsy sections. Antigen-retrieved sections are blocked and treated with primary, followed by secondary antibodies against S-100, a marker of Hirschsprung's disease. Chromogenic substrate is added to stain the targeted cells. Samples are dehydrated and mounted before visualizing under the microscope.
FAQs
The clinician evaluates tissue texture, tenderness, bleeding, and the condition of the rectal wall and anal canal. Sphincter tone provides functional information, while nearby pelvic structures may also be assessed. Considering these findings together can help connect a physical sign with symptoms such as pain, constipation, or fecal incontinence.
A physical finding gains meaning when compared with the patient’s reported symptoms and relevant history. For example, tenderness, bleeding, or altered sphincter tone may relate differently to rectal pain, bleeding, constipation, or fecal incontinence. This combined assessment helps the clinician decide whether further testing or more urgent management is appropriate.
In a patient with a prostate, the clinician considers its size and consistency as part of the examination. These findings may identify a prostate abnormality that requires correlation with symptoms and medical history. The result can support decisions about whether additional evaluation is needed, rather than being considered separately from the broader clinical assessment.
The examination provides structural information by assessing the anal canal, rectal wall, nearby pelvic structures, and prostate when applicable. It also provides functional information through evaluation of sphincter tone. Combining these perspectives allows the clinician to assess both physical changes and control-related findings during a focused clinical examination.
A clinician may use this assessment when evaluating rectal bleeding, rectal or anal pain, constipation, or fecal incontinence. It can also be relevant when a prostate abnormality is suspected. The examination is selected as part of a focused physical assessment, with its findings interpreted in relation to the patient’s symptoms and history.
Findings from the examination can help determine whether the patient needs further testing or urgent management. Bleeding, tenderness, masses, altered tissue texture, abnormal sphincter tone, or prostate changes may influence that decision when considered with symptoms and medical history. Thus, the examination can contribute to prioritizing the next stage of evaluation.