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ectal exam is an internal examination of the rectum such as by a physician or other healthcare professional.
The digital rectal examination (DRE, Latin palpatio per anum or PPA) is a relatively simple procedure. The patient is placed in a position where the anus is accessible and relaxed (lying on the side, squatting on the examination table, bent over the examination table, etc). The physician inserts a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum through the anus and palpates the insides.
The DRE is inadequate as a screening tool for colorectal cancer because it examines less than 10% of the colorectal mucosa; colonoscopy is preferred. However, it's an important part of a general examination, as many tumors or other diseases are made manifest in the distal part of the rectum.

This examination may be used: * for the diagnosis of rectal tumors and other forms of cancer; * in males, for the diagnosis of prostatic disorders, notably tumors and benign prostatic hyperplasia; * for the diagnosis of appendicitis or other examples of an acute abdomen (i.e. acute abdominal symptoms indicating a serious underlying disease); * for the estimation of the tonicity of the anal sphincter, which may be useful in case of fecal incontinence or neurologic diseases, including traumatic spinal cord injuries; * in females, for gynecological palpations of internal organs * for examination of the hardness and color of the feces (ie. in cases of constipation, and fecal impaction); * prior to a colonoscopy or proctoscopy. * to evaluate haemorrhoids

The DRE is frequently combined with an FOBT (fecal occult blood test), which may be useful for diagnosing the etiology of an anemia and/or confirming a gastrointestinal bleed.

Sometimes proctoscopy may also be part of a rectal examination.

A rare multiple birth is documented in this video: the natural vaginal delivery of triplets. It follows the delivery of each baby in sequence and the care provided between arrivals. Multiple births are usually closely monitored, and this recording is a useful obstetric learning resource. For learning purposes only — not medical advice.

Loyola Full Male Exam Part 3 A video from Loyola medical school, Chicago showing the full examination of the male

A video showing the surgery of vaginal hysterectomy Operation

Bimanual pelvic exam of a female, using two fingers inside the vagina and one hand on the outside of the abdomen.

A video showing a ventouse (vacuum extraction) delivery and when clinicians use it. Educational only — not medical advice.

This surgical video shows an open appendectomy, the operation to remove the appendix through an abdominal incision. The recording follows the procedure in the operating room, showing the main steps of one of the most common emergency operations. Appendectomy is the standard treatment for appendicitis.

51 yr old female with right flank pain and recurrent UTI. IVP showed a UPJ calculus on the right.

A video showing the cesarean section birth

An educational demonstration of Foley catheter insertion into the bladder for male and female patients. Procedure education for students and clinicians — not personal medical advice.

A Cesarean section (C-section) is surgery to deliver a baby. The baby is taken out through the mother's abdomen. In the United States, almost one in three women has their babies this way. Some C-sections are planned, but many are done when unexpected problems happen during delivery. Reasons for a C-section may include Health problems in the mother The mother carrying more than one baby The size or position of the baby The baby's health is in danger Labor is not moving along as it should

The dilatation and Curettage procedure that is commonly performed (D and C)Part 2

Full examination of the female from head to toe by Loyola Medical School, Chicago. Part 4

An educational video showing how forceps are used to assist delivery during childbirth, and when clinicians choose them. Educational only — not medical advice.

Full examination of the female from head to toe by Loyola Medical School, Chicago. Part 2

Full examination of the female from head to toe by Loyola Medical School, Chicago part 1

The World Health Organization's official handwashing demonstration: the full soap-and-water technique, surface by surface. The Key Steps checklist on this page follows the WHO sequence in order. General hygiene education — follow your institution's hand-hygiene policy.

A step-by-step educational tutorial on breast self-examination, showing the technique for checking your own breasts. Educational only — not medical advice.

Sexologist Hanny Lightfoot-Klein discusses research on sexual function in women who underwent female circumcision. Educational only — not medical advice.

Male urethral catheterization is demonstrated here using sterile technique, showing how a urinary catheter is passed into the bladder. The video is a procedure-skills resource for medical students, nurses, and clinicians. Procedure education only — not personal medical advice.