Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

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 Examination

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...

You might also read

Related Articles

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

Sort by

Same author

Neonatal acid-base status before and after discontinuing routine left uterine displacement for elective cesarean delivery: a retrospective cohort study (2014-2017).

International journal of obstetric anesthesia·2025

Same author

Ethnic disparities in obstetric anaesthesia care in England: parallels and paradoxes with care in the USA.

Anaesthesia·2023

Same author

The impact of disability on performance in a high-stakes postgraduate surgical examination: a retrospective cohort study.

Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine·2021

Same author

A cross-sectional study examining the association between MRCS performance and surgeons receiving sanctions against their medical registration.

The surgeon : journal of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons of Edinburgh and Ireland·2021

Same author

Prediction of success at UK Specialty Board Examinations using the mandatory postgraduate UK surgical examination.

BJS open·2019

Same author

Achieving Self-Directed Integrated Cancer Aftercare (ASICA) in melanoma: protocol for a randomised patient-focused pilot trial of delivering the ASICA intervention as a means to earlier detection of recurrent and second primary melanoma.

Trials·2019

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 30, 2026

Use of MRI-ultrasound Fusion to Achieve Targeted Prostate Biopsy

Use of MRI-ultrasound Fusion to Achieve Targeted Prostate Biopsy

Published on: April 9, 2019

Construct validity in a high-fidelity prostate exam simulator.

C G Kowalik¹, G J Gerling, A J Lee

¹Department of Urology, Lahey Clinic Medical Center, Boston, MA 22908, USA.

Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases

|August 24, 2011

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Tissue elasticity differences within the prostate, not absolute stiffness, indicate cancer during digital rectal exams (DRE). A novel prostate simulator helps train urologists to detect cancerous nodules.

More Related Videos

A Cognitive Fusion-guided Prostate Biopsy Using Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Transrectal Ultrasound

A Cognitive Fusion-guided Prostate Biopsy Using Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Transrectal Ultrasound

Published on: March 21, 2025

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 30, 2026

Use of MRI-ultrasound Fusion to Achieve Targeted Prostate Biopsy

Use of MRI-ultrasound Fusion to Achieve Targeted Prostate Biopsy

Published on: April 9, 2019

A Cognitive Fusion-guided Prostate Biopsy Using Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Transrectal Ultrasound

A Cognitive Fusion-guided Prostate Biopsy Using Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Transrectal Ultrasound

Published on: March 21, 2025

Area of Science:

Urology
Medical Simulation
Biomaterials Science

Background:

Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) is crucial for assessing prostate, rectal, and neurological health.
Tissue elasticity may indicate cancerous changes in the prostate.
A prostate simulator was developed to evaluate surgeon perception of prostate stiffness and nodule palpability.

Purpose of the Study:

To validate that tissue elasticity changes correlate with prostate cancer.
To assess a novel prostate simulator's ability to replicate realistic prostate stiffness.
To determine the palpable nodule size and stiffness variations indicative of malignancy.

Main Methods:

Ex-vivo prostatectomy specimens (n=21) underwent material characterization using a spherical indentation device.
Human-subjects experiments utilized a novel prostate simulator for urologist evaluations.
Histopathology and clinical history data were abstracted.

Main Results:

Cancerous tissue was consistently stiffer than surrounding prostate tissue.
Urologists evaluated simulated prostates with stiffness ranging from 8.9 to 91 kPa.
Nodules smaller than 7.5 mm were considered impalpable; stiffness differences, not absolute values, were key tactile cues.

Conclusions:

The relative elasticity difference between a nodule and the background prostate is critical for detection.
Prostate simulator training can enhance diagnostic skills for prostate cancer detection.