Digital rectal exam

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Indications

A digital rectal exam is an examination of the lower rectum to check for hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and stool abnormalities such as frank (evident) or occult (hidden) blood.

The term "digital" refers to the clinician's use of a lubricated finger (digit) to conduct the exam. This examination is also used to evaluate the prostate gland in men.

The doctor will first examine the exterior of the anus for hemorrhoids or fissures. Then he or she will put on a latex glove and insert a lubricated finger into the rectum and obtain a small amount of stool on the gloved finger. The stool is then applied to a hemoccult test, which is a way of evaluating for occult (hidden) rectal bleeding.

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In female patients, this exam may be done together with a pelvic exam. In male patients, it is also done to feel the prostate gland. This exam is done in the doctor's office and may lead to a diagnosis of a prostate abnormality or rectal bleeding.

The doctor will ask you to try to relax before the test and to take a deep breath during the actual insertion of the finger into the rectum.

There may be mild discomfort felt during this test.

This test is performed for various reasons. A doctor may use this test in an evaluation for rectum or prostate problems. In men, the test is used to screen for prostate cancer along with blood and other tests, because the doctor can feel the prostate gland for abnormalities. It is also used to evaluate for an enlarged prostate.

It is also done as one of the initial screening tests for colorectal cancer.

If a patient complains of rectal bleeding or appears to have an acute hemorrhage, the stool should always be evaluated for obvious or occult blood. Patients needing blood thinners, such as heparin, for a medical emergency such as stroke or suspected heart attack, will also be pre-screened with a rectal exam to rule out obvious rectal bleeding.

This procedure is also done before other tests to make sure nothing is blocking the rectum before an instrument is inserted.

Review Date: 02/09/2006
Reviewed By: Frederic F. Little, M.D., Department of Allergy and Pulmonary/Critical Care, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.