Rectal examinations

1. DIGITAL RECTAL
EXAMINATION
BY DR. NANKAMBA

2. CONTENTS
1. DEFINITION
2. INDICATIONS
3. CONTRAINDICATIONS
4. COMPLICATIONS
5. PROCEDURE
6. RECORDING OF FINDINGS

3. DEFINITION
•DRE is the internal
examination of the
rectum by using
your index finger.

4. INDICATIONS

5. CONT…..
• GI bleeding e.g r/o heamorrhoids, fissures.
• Change in bowel habit . E.g constipation

6. CONTRAINDICATIONS

7. PROCEDURE
• PATIENT PREPARATION
Greet pt, Introduce yourself, confirm
pt details.
Explain procedure
Inform pt that the examination may
be uncomfortable and they may feel
the urge to defecate.
Gain verbal consent
Secure privacy
 prepare equipment ( gloves, apron,
lubricant, paper towel)
• NOTE:
• Clinical room must be appropriate for
an intimate examination and a
CHAPERON present for the
duration.

8. PATIENT POSITION

10. PROCEDURE

12. CONT……
• ALWAYS THANK THE PT AFTER THE PROCEDURE!!!!
• COMPLICATIONS
1. Discomfort and pain
2. Abrasion of hemorrhoidal tissue
3. Tearing of the perianal skin
4. Infection and bacteremia

13. RECORDING OF FINDINGS

14. THANK YOU