Kenneth Taylor responds to Des Spence
BMJ 2011; 342 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.d3957 (Published 28 June 2011) Cite this as: BMJ 2011;342:d3957- Kenneth G Taylor, consultant physician1
- 1Birmingham, UK
- kandgtaylor{at}blueyonder.co.uk
The time and place for digital rectal examination in the full assessment of a patient are all important.1
I recall the case of a middle aged person who collapsed in the street. There was no significant history, and the main finding on examination was a significant postural drop in blood pressure. Rectal examination showed melaena, and, after resuscitation, the patient was found to have a bleeding duodenal ulcer. Not a useless examination in this case.
What about a patient with an acute abdomen with suspected acute appendicitis in whom acute tenderness is shown on rectal examination owing to a pelvic appendix? Is it a useless …
Log in
Log in using your username and password
Log in through your institution
Subscribe from £173 *
Subscribe and get access to all BMJ articles, and much more.
* For online subscription
Access this article for 1 day for:
£38 / $45 / €42 (excludes VAT)
You can download a PDF version for your personal record.