Health encyclopaedia

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

Rectal examination

Rectal examination is an important part of any general examination, because it allows the doctor to detect or to eliminate a number of important disorders.

Basically, it involves the doctor inserting a gloved finger into the patient's bottom to feel all the structures that can be reached. The rectum is the short but stretchable length of bowel immediately above the anal canal. The latter is about 5cm long, so the rectum is readily accessible to an examining gloved finger.

• Why is it necessary?
• How is it performed?

• RabiesRadiationRadiotherapyRaynaud's phenomenonRectal examinationRed blood countReiter's syndromeRelapsing feverRenin testRepetitive strain injuryRespiratory distress syndromeRespiratory tract infectionRespite careRestless leg syndromeRestricted growthRetinal detachmentReye's syndromeRhesus factor diseaseRheumatic feverRheumatoid arthritisRhinitisRicketsRingwormRisks and benefits of treatmentRoot canal treatmentRosaceaRoundwormRubella

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