Informativeness to Digital Rectal Examination

Prospective Randomized Study Comparing the Results of Digital Rectal Examination in the Supine and Lateral Decubitus

Digital rectal examination is an act clinically performed daily by physicians and surgeons. It remains the key diagnostic test and directs the therapeutic management of cancer of the lower and middle rectum. It can be done in two main positions: lateral decubitus, and supine.

However, no randomized study in colorectal surgery is not interested in evaluating the best position to perform a full rectal exam.

Inclusion Criteria:

• colon or upper rectum cancer operated or not
• recurrent of colon or upper rectum cancer
• rectal bleeding
• hernia

Exclusion Criteria:

• woman
• paraplegic man
• bedridden patient
• current or previous pelvic radiotherapy
• History of prostatectomy
• emergency