A rectal examination or rectal exam is an internal examination of the rectum by a physician.
The digital rectal examination (DRE) is the simplest procedure. The patient is placed in a position where the Censored page is accessible and relaxed (lying on the side, squatting on the examination table, bent over the examination table, etc). The physician inserts a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum through the anus and palpates the insides.
This examination may be used:
Last updated: 04-29-2005 16:49:24