Augmented Reality System for Digital Rectal Examination Training and Assessment: System Validation.

BACKGROUND: Digital rectal examination is a difficult examination to learn and teach because of limited opportunities for practice; however, the main challenge is that students and tutors cannot see the finger when it is palpating the anal canal and prostate gland inside the patients. OBJECTIVE: This paper presents an augmented reality system to be used with benchtop models commonly available in medical schools with the aim of addressing the problem of lack of visualization. The system enables visualization of the examining finger, as well as of the internal organs when performing digital rectal examinations. Magnetic tracking sensors are used to track the movement of the finger, and a pressure sensor is used to monitor the applied pressure. By overlaying a virtual finger on the real finger and a virtual model on the benchtop model, students can see through the examination and finger maneuvers. METHODS: The system was implemented in the Unity game engine (Unity Technologies) and uses a first-generation HoloLens (Microsoft Inc) as an augmented reality device. To evaluate the system, 19 participants (9 clinicians who routinely performed digital rectal examinations and 10 medical students) were asked to use the system and answer 12 questions regarding the usefulness of the system. RESULTS: The system showed the movement of an examining finger in real time with a frame rate of 60 fps on the HoloLens and accurately aligned the virtual and real models with a mean error of 3.9 mm. Users found the movement of the finger was realistic (mean 3.9, SD 1.2); moreover, they found the visualization of the finger and internal organs were useful for teaching, learning, and assessment of digital rectal examinations (finger: mean 4.1, SD 1.1; organs: mean 4.6, SD 0.8), mainly targeting a novice group. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed augmented reality system was designed to improve teaching and learning of digital rectal examination skills by providing visualization of the finger and internal organs. The initial user study proved its applicability and usefulness.

PSA cancer screening: a case for shared decision-making.

Whether to screen for prostate cancer using PSA testing is a difficult decision for many men. Here's the information you need to help them make an educated choice.

Cancer detection rates and inter-examiner variability of MRI/TRUS fusion targeted biopsy and systematic transrectal biopsy.

BACKGROUND: Software-based MRI/TRUS fusion biopsy depends on the coordination of several steps, and inter-examiner differences could influence the results. The aim of this bicentric prospective study was to compare the detection rates of MRI/TRUS fusion targeted biopsy (TG) and systematic biopsy (SB), and the detection rates of examiners with different levels of previous experience in prostate biopsy. METHODS: A total of 419 patients underwent MRI based on a suspicion of prostate cancer with elevated PSA levels. MRI was positive in 395 patients (221 in the first biopsy group [FB] and 174 in the repeated biopsy group [RB]). A subsequent TG, followed by a SB, was performed on these patients by four different examiners. RESULTS: In the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer, a significant difference was found for TG+SB against SB in the RB group (35.1% vs. 25.3%, P=0.047). In the detection of clinically insignificant prostate cancer, the SB had a significantly higher detection rate than TG in both subgroups (FB: 11.9% vs. 4.7%, P=0.008; RB: 13.8% vs. 6.9%, P=0.034). A significant difference was found between the four examiners in the FB for TG (P=0.028), SB (P=0.036), and TG+SB (P=0.017). CONCLUSION: MRI/TRUS TG in combination with SB had significantly higher detection rates than SB in the RB group only. Differences in detection rates between examiners were dependent on the level of previous experience with TRUS guided biopsy.

Teaching medical students digital rectal examination: a randomized study of simulated model vs rectal examination volunteers.

OBJECTIVES: To determine if using a digital rectal examination (DRE) human volunteer improves medical students' confidence in performing DRE in comparison to using a simulated model alone. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Medical students underwent randomization into one of two groups: a control group who underwent standard teaching and an intervention group who underwent standard teaching plus further tuition involving a DRE volunteer. Standard teaching involved a 30-min lecture and a practice DRE on a simulation model. The intervention group additionally observed a tutor demonstrating DRE on a volunteer, then conducted a DRE themselves under supervision. Before and after teaching, both groups completed a survey comprised of three questions. The primary endpoint was confidence in performing a DRE, which was assessed according to the sum of the scores from the three questions. RESULTS: In total, 48 students were randomized, 22 to the control group and 26 to the intervention group. The groups were well matched prior to teaching DRE (P = 0.76) After the DRE tutorial, students in the intervention group were more confident in knowing the indications for DRE (P = 0.001), more confident in their technique for performing DRE (P < 0.001) and more confident in their ability to assess findings accurately at DRE (P < 0.001). The primary outcome measure, overall confidence (sum of the scores from all three questions) in performing DRE, was significantly better in the intervention group (score 10/15 vs 14/15; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study showed that teaching DRE with the assistance of volunteer patients improves inexperienced students' confidence in performing DRE, and the incorporation of such training should be considered in the DRE education programme.

Yield and Examiner Dependence of Digital Rectal Examination in Detecting Impaction in Pediatric Functional Constipation.

OBJECTIVES: Guidelines on functional constipation recommend digital rectal examination (DRE) when constipation is doubtful or with a suspicion of organic etiology. The guidelines do not clarify if DRE is mandatory to diagnose impaction. This study aims to determine the frequency of impaction detectable only on DRE among children satisfying Rome III criteria without requiring DRE and also the inter-observer influences on impaction detection by DRE. METHODS: Children between 6 months to 13 years of age, presenting with history suggestive of constipation were assessed. After excluding those with suspicion of organic etiology, those who needed DRE for diagnosis of constipation and those who do not satisfy Rome III criteria without DRE, the rest who satisfied Rome III criteria were assessed for impaction by palpable fecoliths or constipation-associated fecal incontinence. Those without such impaction were randomized to 2 examiners for DRE to diagnose impaction, in the absence of contraindications. RESULTS: Two hundred and thirty-three children were assessed. One hundred and sixty-nine satisfied Rome III without needing DRE. Forty-eight (28.4%) had impaction detectable without DRE. Among the rest, 28 (30.1%) had impaction by DRE. There was no difference between the frequency of impaction detected by the 2 examiners. Clinical characteristics were similar (P > 0.05) between those with impaction detectable by DRE and those without. CONCLUSIONS: DRE does detect cases of impaction not discernible by other means. Such a finding may be comparable between examiners. These children may be identified by other clinical characteristics. The clinical significance of such a finding needs more understanding from the standpoint of therapeutic choices.

Use of Digital Rectal Examination as an Adjunct to Prostate Specific Antigen in the Detection of Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer.

PURPOSE: Guidelines from the NCCN® (National Comprehensive Cancer Network®) advocate digital rectal examination screening only in men with elevated prostate specific antigen. We investigated the effect of prostate specific antigen on the association of digital rectal examination and clinically significant prostate cancer in a large American cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated the records of the 35,350 men who underwent digital rectal examination in the screening arm of the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening trial for the development of clinically significant prostate cancer (Gleason 7 or greater). Followup was 343,273 person-years. The primary outcome was the rate of clinically significant prostate cancer among men with vs without suspicious digital rectal examination. We performed competing risks regression to evaluate the interaction between time varying suspicious digital rectal examination and prostate specific antigen. RESULTS: A total of 1,713 clinically significant prostate cancers were detected with a 10-year cumulative incidence of 5.9% (95% CI 5.6-6.2). Higher risk was seen for suspicious vs nonsuspicious digital rectal examination. Increases in absolute risk were small and clinically irrelevant for normal (less than 2 ng/ml) prostate specific antigen (1.5% vs 0.7% risk of clinically significant prostate cancer at 10 years), clinically relevant for elevated (3 ng/ml or greater) prostate specific antigen (23.0% vs 13.7%) and modestly clinically relevant for equivocal (2 to 3 ng/ml) prostate specific antigen (6.5% vs 3.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Digital rectal examination demonstrated prognostic usefulness when prostate specific antigen was greater than 3 ng/ml, limited usefulness for less than 2 ng/ml and marginal usefulness for 2 to 3 ng/ml. These findings support the restriction of digital rectal examination to men with higher prostate specific antigen as a reflex test to improve specificity. It should not be used as a primary screening modality to improve sensitivity.

Observance of the practice of digital rectal examination. Survey of general practitioners in East-central Tunisia.

INTRODUCTION: Digital rectal examination (DRE) is a simple gesture, used for diagnosis of several diseases. However, some general practitioners (GPs) are practicing it less and less often. AIM: To estimate the rate of unrealized DRE and to analyze the factors preventing threir achievement. METHODS: This is a prospective observational study conducted among 105 GPs practicing in Sousse. We used a pre-established pre-tested and self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: We identified 551 DRE that were indicated but unrealized. There was a significant influence between the non-realization of DRE on the one hand, and on the other hand: the lack of experience; the closeness of the specialist; the lack of training and the lack of conviction of the importance of this examination. Embarrassment during the realization of the DRE was felt in 69.3% of cases. Factors associated with this embarrassment were: female practitioner; the young age of the practitioner; the rural practice and the nature of internship placements. CONCLUSION: Although it is a simple and inexpensive gesture, the DRE remains neglected by many physicians. Several factors appear to influence the achievement of the DRE. Ongoing continuing medical education seems necessary, especially as we found a lack of belief in the importance of this examination.

Can Anal Sphincter Defects Be Identified by Palpation?

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to correlate clinical findings of anal sphincter defects and function with a sonographic diagnosis of significant sphincter defects. METHODS: This is an observational cross-sectional study on women seen 6 to 10 weeks after primary repair of obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIs). All patients underwent a standardized interview including the St Mark incontinence score, a digital rectal examination, and 3-/4-dimensional transperineal ultrasound imaging. RESULTS: Two hundred forty-five patients were seen after primary repair of OASIs. Mean age was 29 (17-43) years. They were assessed at a median of 58 (15-278) days postpartum. One hundred fifty-seven (64%) delivered normal vaginally, 72 (29%) delivered by vacuum, and 16 (7%) delivered by forceps. A comparison of external anal sphincter (EAS) and internal anal sphincter ultrasound volume data and palpation was possible in 220 and 212 cases, respectively. Sphincter defects at rest and on contraction were both detected clinically in 17 patients. Significant abnormalities of the EAS were diagnosed on tomographic ultrasound imaging in 99 cases (45%), and significant abnormalities of the internal anal sphincter were diagnosed in 113 cases (53%). Agreement between digital and sonographic findings of sphincter defect was poor (k = 0.03-0.08). Women with significant EAS defects on ultrasound were found to have a lower resistance to digital insertion (P = 0.018) and maximum anal squeeze (P = 0.009) on a 6-point scale. The difference was however small. CONCLUSIONS: Digital rectal examination does not seem to be sufficiently sensitive to diagnose residual sphincter defects after primary repair of OASIs. Imaging is required for the evaluation of sphincter anatomy after repair.

Active surveillance for prostate cancer: a narrative review of clinical guidelines.

In the past decade active surveillance (AS) of men with localized prostate cancer has become an increasingly popular management option, and a range of clinical guidelines have been published on this topic. Existing guidelines regarding AS for prostate cancer vary widely, but predominantly state that the most suitable patients for AS are those with pretreatment clinical stage T1c or T2 tumours, serum PSA levels <10 ng/ml, biopsy Gleason scores of 6 or less, a maximum of one or two tumour-positive biopsy core samples and/or a maximum of 50% of cancer per core sample. Following initiation of an AS programme, most guidelines recommend serial serum PSA measurements, digital rectal examinations and surveillance biopsies to check for and identify pathological indications of tumour progression. Definitions of disease reclassification and progression differ among guidelines and multiple criteria for initiation of definitive treatment are proposed. The variety of descriptions of criteria for clinically insignificant prostate cancer indicates a lack of consensus on optimal AS and intervention thresholds. A single set of guidelines are needed in order to reduce variations in clinical practice and to optimize clinical decision-making. To enable truly evidence-based guidelines, further research that combines existing evidence, while also gathering information from more long-term studies is needed.

An evidence-based review of the rectovaginal examination during well-woman visits.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Women's health promotion and disease prevention has experienced considerable transformation over the past decade. This includes introduction of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, updated recommendations for mammography screening, Papanicolaou smear and HPV testing, and pelvic examinations. Despite significant literature about these subjects, one area that has not been reviewed is the rectovaginal examination (RVE). This article will examine available evidence regarding the RVE and make evidence-based recommendations that nurse practitioners (NPs) can integrate into practice METHODS: An electronic search was completed using PubMed, CINAHL, National Guideline Clearinghouse, and Cochrane Data Bases. Medical Subject Heading terms and keywords included Physical Examination, Vagina, Rectum, Digital Rectal Examination, Gynecological Examination, and Rectovaginal Examination in combination with Well-Woman, Screening, and Pelvic Examination. CONCLUSIONS: Available literature shows the RVE to have low sensitivity in detecting uterosacral nodularity, rectal compression, cervical involvement of endometrial cancer, and colorectal cancer. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This critical review of available literature found no evidence to support the use of the RVE in well-woman visits. NPs should limit the use of the RVE to patients presenting with rectovaginal or pelvic complaints.

Teaching and practising rectal examination in Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Digital rectal examination (DRE) is an integral part of physical examination. The teaching and practising of DRE should start early in medical school for mastering the skills to perform DRE by the time of graduation. In recent years it has been observed that medical students are reluctant to learn and practise DRE because of a perception of the reduced importance of DRE as compared with other modalities of investigation. We evaluated the knowledge and attitude of medical students and interns towards the teaching and practising of DRE. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of four medical institutions in Karachi, Pakistan. RESULTS: Of the 398 participants included in the study, almost half were medical students. Almost all (98%) of the participants appreciated the importance of DRE. Only half of the participants reported having been formally taught about DRE before reaching the final year of medical school. Only 16 per cent reported the use of manikins as an aide to demonstrate and practise DRE. The median number of times respondents had performed DRE was one. Patients' refusal to grant consent was the most common reason given for not performing DRE. Students are reluctant to learn and practise DRE because of a perception of its reduced importance CONCLUSION: Teaching sessions on DRE using manikins are suggested to begin early in medical school. It is also suggested that a minimum number of DREs should be performed under supervision before the completion of the internship.

Guideline for referral of patients with suspected prostate cancer by family physicians and other primary care providers.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this guideline is to assist FPs and other primary care providers with recognizing features that should raise their suspicion about the presence of prostate cancer in their patients. COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE: Committee members were selected from among the regional primary care leads from the Cancer Care Ontario Provincial Primary Care and Cancer Network and from among the members of the Cancer Care Ontario Genitourinary Cancer Disease Site Group. METHODS: This guideline was developed through systematic review of the evidence base, synthesis of the evidence, and formal external review involving Canadian stakeholders to validate the relevance of recommendations. REPORT: Evidence-based guidelines were developed to improve the management of patients presenting with clinical features of prostate cancer within the Canadian context. CONCLUSION: These guidelines might lead to more timely and appropriate referrals and might also be of value for informing the development of prostate cancer diagnostic programs and for helping policy makers to ensure appropriate resources are in place.

The Evaluation of Digital Rectal Examination for Assessment of Anal Tone in Suspected Cauda Equina Syndrome.

STUDY DESIGN: Seventy-five doctors completed a questionnaire documenting their grade, specialty, and experience in performing digital rectal examination (DRE). A model anus, using a pressure transducer surrounding an artificial canal, was assembled and calibrated. Participants performed 4 DREs on the model (with a break between attempts) and predicted tone as "reduced" or "normal" (35 and 60 mm Hg, respectively), followed by a "squeeze" test. Thirty health care assistants partook as a control group with no training in DRE. OBJECTIVE: Our main objective was to investigate the validity of digital rectal examination (DRE) for assessment of anal tone. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Cauda equina syndrome represents the constellation of symptoms and signs resulting from compression of lumbrosacral nerve routes. Combined with subjective neurological findings, a reduction in anal tone is an important sign, deeming further imaging necessary. DRE is an invasive procedure used to assess anal tone despite debated accuracy. METHODS: A total of 75 doctors from various specialties were asked to fill in a questionnaire detailing their grade, age, and area of expertise. In addition, information was gathered with regard to prior training in performing DRE to assess anal tone and the importance placed on any findings. Thirty hospital health care assistants (HCAs) were used as a control group. HCAs were selected as a control group because they receive no training on the technique and would never be required to perform it in their clinical practice. A model anus was assembled using a modified pediatric sphygmomanometer cuff to act as a sphincter. The cuff could be inflated to simulate a full range of anal tone. The cuff was incorporated into an artificial anal canal, which was, in turn, placed into a model buttock created from plaster of Paris. The apparatus was calibrated across a range of pressures. RESULTS: In each attempt, 60%, 61%, 63%, and 67% of doctors correctly identified the anal tone, respectively (average accuracy: 64%). HCAs had an identical average accuracy of 64%. All participants (100%) were able to correctly identify the squeeze test. For doctors, no correlation was found between confidence in assessing anal tone using DRE and a correct result. Seventy-one percent had received previous training in DRE, with 64% of these taught how to assess anal tone. Forty-three percent of doctors thought that further training would be beneficial. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that accuracy in assessing anal tone using DRE is limited, with overall correctness of 64%. Poor correlation exists between perceived level of skill and study result. Doctors were not significantly more able than HCAs to detect correct tone. Therefore, DRE for the assessment of anal tone is not a wholly accurate tool. A squeeze test may be of greater value if interpreted correctly. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.