The relationship between digital rectal examination and abdominal radiographs in elderly patients.

The relationship between digital rectal examination and the findings of faecal loading on abdominal radiograph was studied in elderly patients admitted to hospital. No significant association was found but there was a relationship between faecal loading of the recto-sigmoid, colonic and caecal areas of the radiograph. Soft faeces in the rectum were commoner in older patients and were associated with faecal loading in the caecal area. The digital rectal examination is useful for identifying anal and rectal lesions and faecal impaction but abdominal radiograph is required to assess faecal loading of the large bowel.