Digital rectal examination is a test commonly known as performed by the urologist to analyze possible changes in the prostate that may be indicative of prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia.
It is also an important exam to assess changes in the rectum and anus, by the coloproctologist, such as anal fissure, hemorrhoids or nodules. In addition, digital rectal examination can also be done in the routine gynecological examination in women, as it helps to detect problems in the vaginal canal or uterus, for example.
The digital rectal examination is quick, performed in a doctor's office, does not interfere with sexuality and does not cause pain, however it can cause some discomfort if the person has anal fissures or a rectal infection. Understand what hemorrhoids are and how treatment is done.
When to do
Digital rectal examination is most commonly performed by the urologist to track changes in the prostate, such as enlargement of its size, common in benign prostatic hyperplasia, and to assist in the early diagnosis of prostate cancer, increasing the chances of cure. See what are the 10 signs that may indicate prostate cancer.
Thus, in these cases, digital rectal examination is especially indicated for men over 50 years of age with or without signs and symptoms of changes in the organ, and in men over 45 years of age who have a family history of prostate cancer before 60 years of age..
In addition to investigating changes in the prostate, digital rectal examination can be done as part of the proctological examination, by the proctologist, to:
- Identify lesions in the rectum and anus, such as ulcers, nodules or tumors; Observe an anal fissure; Assess hemorrhoids; Look for causes of bleeding in the stool. Find out what are the main causes of blood in the stool; Search for causes of abdominal or pelvic pain; Investigate the cause of an intestinal obstruction. Understand what can cause an intestinal obstruction and what the risks; Detect inflammations or abscesses in the final portion of the intestine. Check out what is a proctitis and what it can cause; Search for reasons for constipation or fecal incontinence.
In the case of women, this type of touch can also be performed, but in these cases, it serves to palpate the posterior wall of the vagina and uterus, so that the gynecologist is able to detect possible nodules or other abnormalities in these organs. Find out which are the 7 main exams recommended by the gynecologist.
Is there any kind of preparation for the exam?
The digital rectal exam does not require any preparation to be done.
How is done
The rectal examination is done through the insertion of the index finger, protected by a latex glove and lubricated, in the patient's anus, allowing to feel the orifice and sphincters of the anus, the mucosa of the rectum and the final part of the intestine, and can also palpate the region of the prostate, in the case of men, and of the vagina and uterus, in the case of women.
Most of the time, the exam is performed in the lying position on the left side, which is the most comfortable position for the patient. It can also be performed in the geno-pectoral position, with the knees and chest supported on the stretcher, or in the gynecological position.
When the purpose of the exam is to assess the prostate, the doctor assesses, through touch, the size, density and shape of the prostate, in addition to checking for the presence of nodules and other abnormalities in this organ. Digital rectal examination can also be done together with the dosage of PSA, which is an enzyme produced by the prostate that, when its concentration is increased in the blood, may indicate an abnormality. Here's how to understand the PSA exam result.
Although they are two very effective tests to aid the diagnosis of prostate cancer, if they are altered they cannot complete the diagnosis, which is done only through biopsy. In addition, rectal examination only allows palpation of the posterior and lateral portions of the prostate, and the organ is not fully evaluated. Find out which are the 6 tests that evaluate the prostate.
