Gastroenterology and hepatology
Rectal examination
When a digital rectal examination helps and when it doesn't (prostate screening, neutropenia, cauda equina), consent and chaperones, a systematic technique, interpreting the findings, and what to do next.
Tier 2Medical sciences concept
Written with AI assistance and fact-checked against the sources below. For exam study, not clinical decisions. How notes are made
At a glance
- A DRE takes a minute and finds impaction, low rectal tumours, melaena, fissures, sphincter weakness and dyssynergia.
- It needs consent, an explanation and the offer of a chaperone, every time.
- It no longer belongs in prostate screening in primary care (2026 PCFA guideline), and it should be avoided in neutropenia.
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Sources
- Guidelines for the Early Detection of Prostate Cancer in Australia (2026), approved by NHMRC 18 May 2026AU/NZProstate Cancer Foundation of Australia, 2026
- Good medical practice: a code of conduct for doctors in AustraliaAU/NZMedical Board of Australia, 2024
- Immediate management of neutropenic fever (eviQ clinical resource)AU/NZCancer Institute NSW (eviQ)
- Cancer Council Australia. Clinical practice guidelines for the prevention, early detection and management of colorectal cancerAU/NZCancer Council Australia, 2017, chapters updated
- Wald A et al. ACG Clinical Guidelines: Management of benign anorectal disorders. Am J Gastroenterol 2021;116:1987-2008American College of Gastroenterology, 2021
- Last updated
- 14 November 2026
What changed
- 14 November 2026 Personal emails, About story and Australian-style copy