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Examination

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

General examination (as indicated)

Inspection (ask the patient to strain as if for stool), where the examiner is looking for:

  • inflammation
  • deformity
  • haemorrhoids
  • prolapse

Rectal examination:

  • anal tone, asking the patient to 'tighten up'
  • feel for faeces or tumour
  • examine for haemorrhoids which can be missed without proctoscopy

Abdominal examination:

  • feeling for colonic faecal loading

Neurological examination:

  • to assess for peripheral neuropathy
  • to assess mental state

NICE also suggest that an assessment of the patient's ability to use the toilet should be undertaken (1):

  • mobility
  • ability to adjust clothing
  • ability to wash after using toilet

Reference:

  1. NICE (2007).Faecal incontinence: the management of faecal incontinence in adults.

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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