title: [Indication for and execution of rectal examination in children with suspected appendicitis].
abstract: Digital rectal examination is considered a non-evident diagnostic procedure in suspected appendicitis. It is rather unpleasant for children and there is a wide range of laboratory and imaging modalities available to contribute to the decision making in case a surgical intervention is necessary. In recent years digital rectal examination is not routinely used prior to surgery, however it may remain a useful screening method for patients with unclear clinical diagnosis. In such cases considering the important moral and legal arguments about digital rectal examination, we consider performing it under general anaesthesia.
authors.affiliation: The National Children's Hospital Dublin.
authors.forename: Balázs
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kutasy
authors.forename: Gabriella
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mohay
authors.forename: András
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pintér
mesh_terms: D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000209:etiology*; D000293:Adolescent; D000768:Anesthesia, General; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003657:Decision Making; D051517:Digital Rectal Examination / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000941:ethics / Q000523:psychology / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends; D004312:Douglas' Pouch / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D014463:Ultrasonography