Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus01:25

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Urologic Endoscopic Procedure: Cystoscopic Examination01:28

Urologic Endoscopic Procedure: Cystoscopic Examination

Meaning of Cystoscopic Examination:Cystoscopy is an essential diagnostic tool in urology that is used to assess the structure and function of the genitourinary system. It provides a direct view of the urethra, bladder, and, in some cases, the ureteral openings. This procedure helps detect structural abnormalities, infections, cancers, and blockages in the urinary tract. There are two types of cystoscopy:Flexible cystoscopy is commonly performed in outpatient settings due to its less invasive...
Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care01:30

Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

A healthcare provider can diagnose a urinary tract infection (UTI) through several methods:Medical History and Symptoms: The provider will take a detailed medical history and ask about symptoms such as frequent urination, burning sensation during urination, and lower abdominal pain.Urinalysis: A clean-catch urine sample is collected in a sterile container and tested for the presence of bacteria, white blood cells (leukocytes), nitrites, blood, and protein. The presence of leukocytes and...
Imaging Studies V: Intravenous Urography and Retrograde Pyelography01:22

Imaging Studies V: Intravenous Urography and Retrograde Pyelography

IntroductionIntravenous Urography (IVU) and Retrograde Pyelography (RP) are important diagnostic imaging techniques used to evaluate the urinary system. These methods help identify structural abnormalities, obstructions, and functional issues in the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. Both procedures use iodine-based contrast media to enhance the visibility of urinary tract structures on X-ray images, though they differ in their methods and indications.1. Intravenous Urography (IVU)Intravenous...
Imaging Studies II: Ultrasonography01:24

Imaging Studies II: Ultrasonography

IntroductionUltrasonography, or renal ultrasound, is a noninvasive medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and surrounding tissues.Indications for Urinary System UltrasonographyUrinary system ultrasonography is indicated in various clinical scenarios, such as:Kidney Stones (Urolithiasis): To detect and monitor the size and presence of kidney or urinary tract stones.Hydronephrosis: To assess the dilation of the renal pelvis and...
Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography01:27

Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography

DefinitionComputed Tomography (CT) of the genitourinary (GU) tract is a non-invasive imaging modality that utilizes X-rays and computer processing to generate detailed cross-sectional images of the urinary system, encompassing the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and adjacent structures such as the adrenal glands.PurposeCT scans of the GU tract serve several diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, including:Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Diseases: Detects kidney stones, tumors, cysts, and congenital...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

The extended postoperative complication score: A dual-axis reporting plan for general surgery.

The journal of trauma and acute care surgeryยท2026
Same author

What a mesh: a call for better science and regulatory oversight.

The British journal of surgeryยท2026
Same author

Role of prophylactic mesh in emergency midline laparotomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

World journal of emergency surgery : WJESยท2026
Same author

Closed incision negative pressure wound therapy after emergency laparotomy: a systematic review and Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

World journal of emergency surgery : WJESยท2026
Same author

Artificial intelligence in emergency surgery: a scoping review within the artificial intelligence in emergency and trauma surgery (ARIES) project.

World journal of emergency surgery : WJESยท2026
Same author

Necrotizing soft-tissue infections survival guide in adult patients: A position statement by the Global Alliance for Infections in Surgery.

The journal of trauma and acute care surgeryยท2025

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Urethroplasty with Pedicled Tunica Vaginalis for the Treatment of Long-segment Anterior Urethral Stricture Caused by Lichen Sclerosus of Glans Penis
03:55

Urethroplasty with Pedicled Tunica Vaginalis for the Treatment of Long-segment Anterior Urethral Stricture Caused by Lichen Sclerosus of Glans Penis

Published on: October 18, 2024

Traumatic urethral injuries: does the digital rectal examination really help us?

Chad G Ball1, S Mohammed Jafri, Andrew W Kirkpatrick

  • 1Department of Surgery, Emory University, Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA. ball.chad@gmail.com

Injury
|June 19, 2009
PubMed
Summary

The digital rectal examination (DRE) has very low sensitivity (2%) for detecting blunt urethral injuries. Blood at the urethral meatus and hematuria are more effective screening methods for this trauma.

More Related Videos

Urethral Stricture Induction Followed by Buccal Mucosa Graft Urethroplasty in a Rat Model
05:09

Urethral Stricture Induction Followed by Buccal Mucosa Graft Urethroplasty in a Rat Model

Published on: April 28, 2023

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Urethroplasty with Pedicled Tunica Vaginalis for the Treatment of Long-segment Anterior Urethral Stricture Caused by Lichen Sclerosus of Glans Penis
03:55

Urethroplasty with Pedicled Tunica Vaginalis for the Treatment of Long-segment Anterior Urethral Stricture Caused by Lichen Sclerosus of Glans Penis

Published on: October 18, 2024

Urethral Stricture Induction Followed by Buccal Mucosa Graft Urethroplasty in a Rat Model
05:09

Urethral Stricture Induction Followed by Buccal Mucosa Graft Urethroplasty in a Rat Model

Published on: April 28, 2023

Area of Science:

  • Trauma Surgery
  • Urology
  • Emergency Medicine

Background:

  • The digital rectal examination (DRE) has historically been a standard trauma screening tool.
  • Recent evidence questions the utility of DRE for detecting blunt urethral injuries.
  • This study aimed to assess the DRE's sensitivity in a level 1 trauma center.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Determine the sensitivity of the digital rectal examination (DRE) for diagnosing blunt urethral injuries.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of DRE in conjunction with other clinical indicators.
  • Compare DRE performance against other signs like meatal bleeding and hematuria.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of blunt trauma patients with urethral disruption (1995-2008).
  • Diagnosis confirmed via retrograde urethrogram, urethroscopy, or operative exploration.
  • Analysis of demographics, injury data, and DRE findings.

Main Results:

  • 41 male patients with urethral injuries were identified (mean age 39).
  • 83% of injuries resulted from motor vehicle accidents; 95% had pelvic fractures.
  • DRE sensitivity for blunt urethral injury was only 2%; meatal blood (20%) and hematuria (17%) were more sensitive indicators.

Conclusions:

  • The digital rectal examination (DRE) demonstrates low sensitivity (2%) for blunt urethral injuries.
  • Meatal blood and pre-catheterization hematuria are more reliable screening indicators.
  • DRE remains indicated for penetrating rectal trauma, pelvic fractures, and spinal cord injuries, but not for blunt urethral trauma.