What is the purpose of a digital rectal exam? What conditions can it diagnose?

The digital rectal exam (DRE) is a crucial anorectal examination method, characterized by its simplicity and minimal irritation to the patient. While many people are reluctant to undergo a DRE due to shyness or indifference, this exam is crucial for diagnosing a variety of anorectal conditions. Today, we’ll explore the various conditions that can be diagnose using a digital rectal exam (DRE).

1. Hemorrhoids

External hemorrhoids can usually be see outside the anus. Larger internal hemorrhoids can be check as a soft mass above the dentate line during digital examination. And fresh blood can be see when the finger cuff is removed.

2. Anal fissure

Severe tenderness during digital examination is often see in anal fissures. Ulcers and fissures can be feel in the anal canal. And in acute anal fissures, the fingertip may be stain with blood. Contracture of the anal sphincter can increase pain, and digital examination under anesthesia may be necessary.

3. Anal fistula

Digital examination may check a cord-like object, and sometimes a small nodule or depression may be felt at the inner opening of the anal fistula.

4. Perianal abscess

For example, in the case of pelvic rectal space abscess and retrorectal space abscess, a tender mass can be check in the rectum. Which may be accompanied by a sense of fluctuation.

5. Rectal prolapse

Digital examination can touch the intussuscepted rectal mucosa, touch the folds and annular folds of the two layers of intestinal wall, and feel the tension of the anal sphincter, which can assist in the diagnosis of some outlet obstruction constipation.

6. Anal papilloma

Digital examination revealed a medium-textured, movable, long-pedunculated mass, and the finger cot was clean.

7. Rectal polyps

During digital examination, most of the patients can feel soft, smooth, elastic, pedunculated, large and small single or multiple masses, and sometimes the finger cot contains blood or mucus.

8. Rectal

Most intestinal cancers occur in the rectum, of which about 2/3 can be check by digital examination. On the intestinal wall, you can feel uneven lumps with ulcers on the surface. The intestinal cavity is often narrow, and the finger gloves are often stained with pus, blood and mucus.