Digital Rectal Exam

• done to check for problems with organs or other structures in the pelvis and lower belly.

• During the examination, a health professional gently puts a lubricated, gloved finger of one hand into the rectum.

• He or she may use the other hand to press on the lower belly or pelvic area.

Digital Rectal Exam• Check for growths in or enlargement of the prostate gland in men. • Check for problems in a woman's reproductive organs, such as the

uterus and ovaries. It is often done during a regular pelvic examination and Pap test. It may also be done to check on symptoms, such as pelvic pain or vaginal bleeding.

• Help find the cause of symptoms such as rectal bleeding (blood in the stool), belly or pelvic pain, a change in urination, or a change in bowel habits.

• Collect a stool sample to test for blood in the stool.• Check for hemorrhoids or growths, such as cancer, in the rectum. DRE

alone is not used to diagnose colorectal cancer. Also, a DRE may not find internal hemorrhoids because they are soft and hard to feel; a sigmoidoscopy may be needed to diagnose internal hemorrhoids.

Anoscopy

• an examination using a small, rigid, tubular instrument called an anoscope (also called an anal speculum).

• This is inserted a few inches into to the anus in order to evaluate problems of the anal canal.

• Anoscopy is used to diagnose hemorrhoids, anal fissures (tears in the lining of the anus), and some cancers.

Conditions visible to Anoscopy• Hemorrhoids• Anal fissures• Fistulas• Abscesses• Inflammation• Perianal/rectal tumors• Anoscopy will permit biopsies to be taken

Proctosigmoidoscopy

• procedure for examination of the anus, rectum, and distal sigmoid colon.

• Involves the use of a proctoscope, sigmoidoscope, or colonoscope.

• These instruments all provide visual examination of the intestine, as well as the ability to obtain tissue samples for biopsy.

Proctosigmoidoscopy

• Recommended if someone is experiencing changes in bowel habits, blood or mucus in stools, abdominal pain, or severe itching, known as pruritis

• This type of examination may be suggested for those who have a family history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), cancer, or other digestive tract diseases

• Other symptoms that may prompt a physician to perform a proctosigmoidoscopy include previous occurrences of polyps, unusual flatulence, or urinary tract issues