Digitorectal examination

Digitorectal examination is an overview used to detect problems occurring on organs located in the lower abdomen or small pelvis. This is a simple overview, the equipment requires plastic, non-sterile gloves, petroleum jelly, some good will and doctors’ experience. The examination can be performed in the knee – the elbow position of the patient or in the lateral position with a high, towards the chest raised by the knees, which is more pleasant to the patient and more convenient for the doctor to perform the examination. This review can reveal tumors and changes in the end of the colon, as well as changes in prostate cancer for men. The review is usually unpleasant, it can be painful and takes a few minutes.

INDICATIONS / WHY IS IT DONE?

• For the purpose of detecting the causes of the following disorders: bleeding from the end of the colon (fresh blood in the stool), pain in the lower part of the stomach or small pelvis, changes in the character of the urinary tract, changes in the way of discharge of the stool (diarrhea, constipation, involuntary discharge. .). This examination can take a sample of the stool in order to test the presence of blood.

• For the purpose of detecting hemorrhoids or tumors of the finishing part of the colon. After this examination, a doctor may suggest to you a colonoscopy.

• In order to detect enlarged prostate or changes to the prostate harder consistency. This review can be done as part of a routine examination or in order to investigate the causes of urinary disturbances.

HOW IT IS PERFORMED?

• The examination is performed in two positions for men. The former implies that the subject stands bent forward in the hips, while the other position is the knee-elbow position. During the examination, you may feel anxiety or pain. Digitorectal examination can also help the prostate to sense some problems on it. Due to pressure on the prostate you may need to wet. This examination may be uncomfortable if the prostate is swollen or irritated.

• Digitorectal examination for women can be performed in a knee-elbow position or in a gynecological examination (if needed). The majority of women are not sick, but may be uncomfortable.

The examination is done by the doctor gently affixing a finger that is protected by a rubber glove and covered with lubricant (vaseline most often) in the final part of the colon-rectum. With the other hand, a doctor can touch the lower abdomen in order to discover various problems. Patients who have hemorrhoids or damaged skin and mucous membrane of the colon (anal fissure) may be more painful.

POTENTIAL RISKS

• There may be bleeding from the finishing part of the colon (rectum) after examination, especially if the subject has hemorrhoids or anal fissures.

• Very rarely you may feel dizzy or unconscious. These disorders are otherwise called vasovagal syncope and can be caused as a result of fear or pain that a patient may feel during a digital examination. Vasovagal syncope occurs more often if you are standing up during the examination.

PREPARATION

If you have hemorrhoids, you need to inform your doctor before examinations. The doctor will try to gently perform the examination and not to damage the hemorrhoids.

AFTER DIGITORECTAL EXAMINATION

You can immediately return to your usual daily activities.