Rectal examination

When rectal examination (including rectal examination or rectal exploration ) of the rectum ( rectum ) and adjacent structures of the pelvis is examined by a doctor.

In human medicine rectal examination is performed with the fingers ( digital). Are assessed, inter alia, the tone of the sphincter, the mucous membrane of the rectum, uterus and adnexa in women and in men, the prostate as well as appearance and consistency of the stool on the glove. Colloquially, as well as among doctors, this type of investigation is jokingly referred to as " small harbor cruise ."

In veterinary medicine, the veterinarian performs a careful his gloved, coated with lubricant hand into the rectum of a correspondingly large animal ( cow, horse ) to examine the rectum and lower abdomen. From a rectal examination is called even if only one or more fingers are inserted to examine the rectum. It analyzes the mucous membrane of the rectum and, if available, intestines, spleen, kidneys, blood vessels, pelvic bone and genitourinary tract. In large animals the rectal examination is of particular importance in the field of gynecology; it is however necessary to cycle diagnosis or in the gestation of cows or mares ( manually or sonography ).

• Diagnostic procedures in gastroenterology
• Veterinary Medical Diagnostic