The only objection to a routine pediatric rectal exam ination is the fear of some emotional or physical trauma to the child. With gentleness and patience a rectal ex amination need not be traumatic.
Rectal examination in children is as important as it is in adults and should be performed routinely. The omis sion of a rectal examination usually indicates that gloves and lubricant were not conveniently available for use during the physical examination. Gloves and lubricant should always be kept accessible wherever children are being examined.
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References
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Raffensperger, J.: Rectal examination in infancy and childhood . General Practice28: 115, 1963.
2.
Colodny, A.H. and T.M. Holder: Rectal examination: a useful maneuver to aid in differentiating an incarcerated inguinal hernia from a hydrocele in infancy. Surgery53: 544, 1963.
