DIGITAL RECTAL EXAMINATION

DIGITAL RECTAL EXAMINATION ( DRE).

  



 Digital rectal examination is an examination in which a doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel for abnormalities. It is a part of abdominal examination.

The abnormalities in question include: prostate complications, cancer, pile/hemorrhoid, fistula and fecal impaction in which hardened feces are collected in the rectum or colon obstructing normal movement of feces.

It is done mainly by inspection and palpation.
In inspection, the clinical can check for swellings,  inflammation, ulceration, blood stains, rashes, encopresis( fecal soiling) which can denote valvular incompetence, tumour, etc around the anal region.

In palpation, the clinician gently inserts a lubricated gloved finger into the rectum from the anus. In insertion,  the pulp of the finger and not the tip goes in followed by the whole finger. The lubricant must not be harmful.
The finger is gently brushed around the rectal mucosa to feel for abnormalities and cover a wider area.
The finger is later inspected after removal to check for blood stains, fecal color etc.



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