inspection

Last reviewed 01/2018

Wearing gloves, lift up the right buttock to expose the anus and perianal area. Observe for the presence of:

  • rectal prolapse
  • fistulo-in-ano
  • skin tags
  • anal fissure
  • anal warts
  • haemorrhoids
  • anal carcinoma
  • pruritus ani
  • excoriation from diarrhoea

Ask to patient to strain down and note:

  • pain
  • leakage of faeces or mucus
  • abnormal descent of the perineum