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Digitorectal examination

The first step in detecting many diseases of the anorectal region and the final part of the rectum

Digitorectal examination – The key to the timely diagnosis of colon disease

The small and large intestines together make up the longest part of the digestive system, and their proper function plays a key role in boosting immunity and protecting against pathogenic bacteria and viruses. With age, colon function can impair, and factors such as stress, improper diet, smoking and alcohol consumption further worsen the condition of this important organ.

This is why timely diagnosis is key to identifying colon-related problems, including polyps, fistulas, and tumors. At the Lohuis Filipović Polyclinic, we offer a number of preventive diagnostic examinations to ensure your health and prevent the development of serious diseases. One of the basic examinations in the diagnosis of colon disease is a digitorectal examination, which allows early detection of problems and the application of appropriate treatment.

What is a digitorectal examination?

Digitorectal examination is a simple but extremely important diagnostic procedure that assesses the condition of the rectum and surrounding structures. It is used to detect a variety of conditions, including:

  • Colon cancer
  • Enlarged prostate
  • Prostate tumor
  • Colon polyps
  • Ovarian and fallopian tube tumor in women

Timely examination can be crucial in recognizing and treating these conditions, and due to its simplicity and effectiveness, it is an increasingly common part of standard diagnostics in proctology.

When is it necessary to perform a digitorectal examination?

A digitorectal examination is recommended in the following cases:

  • Suspicion of an enlarged prostate – The risk of an enlarged prostate increases with age, and after the age of 50, regular urological examinations are recommended.
  • Rectal bleeding – It can be caused by hemorrhoids, cracks in the anus, or more serious colon diseases.
  • Blood in the stool – Lighter blood usually indicates a problem near the rectum, while darker blood can signal more serious internal bleeding.
  • Bowel movement disorders – Prolonged constipation or diarrhea may indicate the presence of polyps or other changes in the colon.
  • Bleeding from the ureters – It can be a sign of infection, an enlarged prostate or, more rarely, kidney, bladder and prostate cancer.
  • Difficulty urinating – Problems emptying the bladder may indicate an enlarged prostate or other urinary tract obstructions.

If you have any of these symptoms, a timely reaction is key to preventing further development of the disease.

How to prepare for a digitorectal examination?

Digitorectal examination does not require special preparation. It is not necessary to change the diet, and the only important thing is to inform the doctor about any anal fistulas, hemorrhoids or other problems that could make the procedure difficult.

Before the examination, we will hold consultations to ensure a pleasant atmosphere and clarify any possible doubts about the procedure itself.

What does a digitorectal examination look like?

The examination procedure differs in men and women:

  • Men – The examination is performed by lying on your side with your knees pulled towards your chest or leaning forward. The doctor feels the prostate and other structures of the rectal area with a finger protected by a glove.
  • Women – The procedure is similar, but additionally allows for the evaluation of reproductive organs. The doctor can press on the lower part of the abdomen to get a better insight into the structure of the internal organs.

The examination is short and rarely causes pain. You may experience mild discomfort and an increased need to urinate, and in the case of an enlarged prostate, there may be a slight sensitivity.

Recovery after digitorectal examination

After the examination, patients can immediately return to daily activities. It is possible to experience mild side effects such as:

  • Mild bleeding (especially in patients with hemorrhoids)
  • Temporary discomfort when sitting or going to the toilet

If heavy bleeding occurs, a doctor should be contacted immediately for further evaluation.

Where to perform a digitorectal examination?

At the Lohuis Filipović Polyclinic, we provide top-notch medical care with experienced specialists in the field of gastroenterology and proctology. Our goal is to recognize and treat conditions that can affect your health in a timely manner.

For consultation and appointment for an examination, contact us:

Take care of your health on time – make an appointment for an examination and ensure a peaceful and safe life without unpleasant symptoms!

Your experts

The main goal of LF Polyclinic is to improve the quality of life and health of our clients by providing them with top-notch healthcare services.

What do our patients say about us?

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J.Lj.

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I did rhinoplasty along with face tight treatment and the results were more than satisfactory. The guys (Boris and Peter) did everything at the same time, very professionally and in the shortest possible timeframe. I was out of tampons in 2 days, and my bruise recovery does not take longer than 7 days. Very gentle approach. Without unnecessary arrivals, with kind and friendly staff and arranging payments where flexibility was at an enviable level, the impression of service in this clinic is for every recommendation. Of course, I don’t even have to mention that my breathing is better now than before, and my facial skin is smooth and tight without any invasive method. Guys, you are the best. :)

A.P.

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I had unwittingly been suffering from hypopnea for nearly a decade. I did some research and I selected this clinic because it was located in a country where I have many friends. I had already been treated for this by a different physician in Canada, a surgery was done in my nose to remove an obstruction and believed it was better, but I was wrong. The Canadian doctor proposed dealing with the problem by CPAP or further surgeries. Their solution was to remove the first obstacle they find, see if that helps, if not, then remove the next obstacle etc. I had been using caffeine to stay awake, but my physical and mental performance was severely impacted by chronic sleep deprivation. At my first meeting, I was surprised to actually meet Dr. Filipovic, I presumed I would be looked after by an associate Doctor. I explained my suspicions and situation and told him, I do not want to go through multiple procedures to find one that worked. He listened, looked into my nose and proposed that I schedule and undergo a general anaesthesia, where he would be able to insert a camera and record what happens when I actually sleep. In addition I took home a wearable monitor for the night. After these diagnotics, it was found that a mandibular advancement device or CPAP would work for me. CPAP is not good for me because my young children would tear it apart. I had to leave Croatia earlier than planned, when I told his team. They moved heaven and earth to rush the casting, production and shipping of the device to me in Canada. Once I arrived here, his dentist responded to my emails to ensure I had proper guidance on how to adjust and use the device. It works wonderfully and with the clarity of thought that comes from regular sleep, I realized I should have a backup mandibular advancement device made, to use if my device is destroyed by my children. His team again did a wonderful job of using the casting I sent back to produce a 2nd set and ship it to Canada. I have tested the second device for a week now and it works as well as the first. I would highly recommend this team for their professional, courteous and effective effort. If, time & money allows and vanity demands, I would go to this team for a rhinoplasty in the future. Thank you all for improving my quality of life and work performance.

M.K.

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For so long I was dissatisfied with the breathing and the appearance of my nose. Of course the first step was to google rhinoplasty and read comments on forums of the people who did it in Croatia. That did not help because the amount of negative experiences only scared me. But I also read that the most important thing is to find a great surgeon so I finally went to meet with dr. Filipović. I met him, he explained the procedure and answered all my questions. On that first meeting I felt so confident that I even reserved a date for my surgery. Finally in November 2020 I had septorhinoplasty performed by dr. Filipović. They arranged that I stayed in the clinic for one day after the procedure. That really meant a lot, and I'm grateful for that. Recovery went fast and well, I almost had no bruising at all. I'm quite sensitive, so I felt some pain in the first 3 days after, but nothing too bad. It is now 2 months post-op and I look and feel better than ever. The result looks really natural, and it fits my face perfectly. The only regret that I have is that I didn’t do it sooner. Dr. Filipović is a miracle worker, and I will forever be grateful to him and his team.

M.G.

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I've done plasma skin regeneration and skin boosting treatment there. Clinic is beautiful, stuff is very friendly, young and with great knowledge and experience. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking high quality in every aspect. Thank you!

M.S.

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A month ago, I was on a lip lift with Dr. Filipović. The result is fantastic, as was the experience of consultation and surgery. The doctor and nurses are professional and approachable and inspire confidence. The lip lift turned out great and looks natural, but it's a big enough change that it affected the look of the whole face. The swelling subsided after about a week, and the scar under the nose is visible a month later, but it is not overly conspicuous.
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