What can a digital rectal examination reveal?

Digital rectal examination is a relatively convenient examination method. It can be used to feel whether there is a lump or tenderness at the lower end of the rectum, so as to determine the patient's current condition. However, it should be noted that during this examination, the correct method must be used. If you are not sure, you can go to the hospital and ask medical staff to help you complete it.

Digital anal examination has the following contents and significance:

1. The first thing to do is to check the tightness of the anal sphincter and anorectal ring. The anorectal ring is composed of the upper edge of the internal and external sphincters and the puborectalis muscle, surrounding the junction of the anal canal and rectum. The internal and external sphincters are ring-shaped, while the puborectalis muscle only exists at the back and on both sides. Therefore, during the rectal digital examination, it can be touched at the back and both sides of the anal canal, but not at the front of the anal canal. When the anal sphincter and anorectal ring are normal, the index finger can be smoothly inserted into the anus. If the index finger is difficult or cannot pass through, it means that the anus has different degrees of stenosis. If the anal sphincter is too relaxed and weak, anal incontinence may occur.

2. Check the anterior and posterior walls of the anal canal and rectum and their surrounding areas for tenderness, pulsation, or lumps, and pay attention to the size, hardness, and mobility of the lumps. For lumps located higher up, digital rectal examination can be performed in the squatting or lithotomy position. These two positions can move the tumor downward, allowing rectal cancer in a higher position to be palpated. If necessary, a rectal and abdominal bimanual examination or a rectal and vaginal bimanual examination can be performed to provide valuable information on the extent of cancer invasion.

3. On the anterior wall of the rectum, the prostate can be felt in men and the cervix can be felt in women, which should not be mistaken for pathological masses;

4. After the examination is completed and the finger is pulled out, check whether there is blood or mucus on the finger sleeve. If necessary, a smear test should be performed.

Function introduction: Rectal examination is an essential examination method in anorectal department. If mucus, pus or blood is found on the surface of the finger cot after digital examination, it is suspected that there is inflammation in the rectum and anus or accompanied by rupture of tumor tissue. If necessary, taking some stool for routine and bacteriological examination, or performing rectal tissue pathology examination can assist in diagnosis. About 80% of rectal cancer and rectal polyps can be detected early through this examination. In addition, diseases such as hemorrhoids, anal fistula, anal and rectal abscesses, anal papillary hypertrophy, anal papilloma, etc. can also be detected by "touching" the rectum and anus.

Digital rectal examination has become an important way to detect rectal cancer early. It is the simplest and most effective means to detect rectal cancer. We should look at the problem from the perspective of curing diseases and saving lives and living a healthy life. We should not wear tinted glasses, which will harm our own health.

The expert also told me that rectal examination is not only "full-time" in the anorectal department, it can also do the following "part-time":