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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,...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 29, 2026

Intraoperative Detection of Subtle Endometriosis: A Novel Paradigm for Detection and Treatment of Pelvic Pain Associated with the Loss of Peritoneal Integrity

Intraoperative Detection of Subtle Endometriosis: A Novel Paradigm for Detection and Treatment of Pelvic Pain Associated with the Loss of Peritoneal Integrity

Published on: December 21, 2012

Rectal endometriosis: a case report.

V N Papadopoulos¹, D Panagiotou, S Panidis

¹1st Propedeutic Surgical Department, Aristotle's University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA Hospital, T Oikonomidi 21, 551 31 Thessaloniki, Kalamaria, Greece. bnpap@med.auth.gr

Techniques in Coloproctology

|September 3, 2011

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This case study highlights rectal endometriosis, a rare cause of pelvic pain and constipation in women. Misdiagnosed initially as cancer, it was successfully treated, emphasizing the need for considering endometriosis in differential diagnoses.

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Area of Science:

Gynecology
Gastroenterology
Pathology

Background:

Pelvic endometriosis is a common condition, but rectal involvement is rare.
Symptoms like pelvic pain, constipation, and dysmenorrhea are non-specific.
Preoperative diagnosis of rectal endometriosis is challenging due to vague clinical presentations.

Observation:

A 45-year-old female presented with pelvic pain, constipation, and dysmenorrhea.
Initial imaging revealed cholelithiasis, liver nodular hyperplasia, and uterine fibromyoma.
Laparotomy showed adhesions between the uterus and rectum; biopsy suggested adenocarcinoma.

Findings:

Final histopathology confirmed uterine fibromyoma, liver nodular hyperplasia, and rectal endometriosis.
No malignancy was detected.
The patient remained healthy 5 years post-surgery.

Implications:

Rectal endometriosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic pelvic pain and defecation disorders in women of reproductive age.
Non-specific symptoms necessitate a high index of suspicion for accurate preoperative diagnosis.
Early and accurate diagnosis can prevent unnecessary radical surgeries and improve patient outcomes.