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Digital Rectal Examination
- Digital Rectal Exam
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What Is It?
The digital rectal exam is a physical examination of the rectum, the last few inches of the bowel, just above the anus. The doctor uses a gloved and lubricated finger to check for abnormalities of the anus and rectum. It takes about one to two minutes and, although it may cause some mild discomfort, it should not be painful.
By feeling through the rectal wall, the doctor can also examine the surface of the prostate gland in men and some of the reproductive organs in women.
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From Our Experts
Is It Possible to Perform a Prostate Self Exam?
Dear Dr. Motola, Is is possible to perform a self exam of the prostate and if so, how can it be done? It is possible to perform a... Read more »
From Our Sources
Digital rectal exam
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
A digital rectal exam is an examination of the lower rectum. The doctor uses a gloved, lubricated finger to check for abnormalities.Alternative... Read more »
Digital rectal exam
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
DRENormal ValuesA normal finding means the doctor did not detect any problem during the exam. However, this test does not completely rule out all... Read more »
Digital rectal exam
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
DREReferencesMarcello PW. Diseases of the anorectum. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver... Read more »
Rectal biopsy
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
A rectal biopsy is a procedure to remove a small piece of rectal tissue for examination.Alternative NamesBiopsy - rectumHow the test is performedA... Read more »
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