Method Of Exam

Have the patient stand and learn forward, resting his hands on the examining table. Place a small amount of lubricant on your gloved index finger.

• Place your finger at the anus and wait for reflex sphincter relaxation.
• Gently insert your finger and examine as much of the rectal wall as possible.
  Sequentially examine the right lateral, posterior and left lateral surfaces feeling for pelvic structures.
• Evaluate the prostate gland in men along anterior wall.
  • Examine the posterior surface of the prostate.
  • Evaluate the lateral lobes and the sulcus.
  • Note the size, shape, consistency and tenderness.
• Note the rectal contents.
• Remove finger and evaluate the faeces on the gloved finger and save it for Guaic testing.

An alternate method:

The rectal exam can also be done in the left lateral decubitus.

Normal: Rectal exam is unpleasant.

• The sphincter has sufficient tone to grasp your finger.
• Soft stools may be felt.
• The walls of the mucosa are smooth.
• The prostate gland is about 2.5 cm in length, with a medial sulcus, is firm and non-tender.
• Stools can be seen on the gloved finger and retain it for Guaiac testing.