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The diagnostic value of rectal examination
J W Muris1, R Starmans, G G Wolfs
1Department of General Practice, Rijksuniversiteit Limburg, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Family Practice
|March 1, 1993
Summary
The rectal examination is useful for prostate issues but has low sensitivity for rectal cancer and appendicitis. Further general practice studies are needed to confirm its diagnostic value.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Gastroenterology
- General Practice
Background:
- The rectal examination is frequently recommended for evaluating abdominal and urinary symptoms.
- Existing literature lacks studies conducted in general practice settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the diagnostic utility of the rectal examination for various conditions.
- To determine the effectiveness of rectal examinations in general medical practice.
Main Methods:
- A Medline literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies.
- Analysis of likelihood ratios for normal and abnormal findings was performed.
Main Results:
- Rectal examination shows low sensitivity for rectal carcinoma and appendicitis.
- High sensitivity was observed for prostate carcinoma detection.
- The procedure is potentially useful for rectal problems with abnormal findings and for assessing men with prostate issues.
Conclusions:
- Rectal examination is valuable for specific prostate and rectal conditions but not appendicitis.
- Diagnostic value may differ between general and referred populations.
- Further prospective studies in general medical practice are warranted.